Chicago-Bound Amtrak Train Derails Near Spokane

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

Only a few minor injuries were reported after the train jumped the tracks about 45 miles west of Spokane.

Story Published: Jan 28, 2006 at 7:40 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 2:11 AM PDT

SPOKANE - A Chicago-bound Amtrak passenger train derailed early Saturday near Spokane, but there were no serious injuries.

Minor injuries to a few of the 86 passengers and six crew members on the eastbound Empire Builder were treated at the high school gymn in the town of Sprague, near the accident site about 45 miles west of Spokane, said Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell.

Passengers were then bused to hotels in Spokane, where they will hope to resume their journey on Saturday night's Empire Builder, which travels between Chicago and Portland, Ore. There is one westbound and one eastbound train on the route daily.

The derailed train's engine and four cars remained upright after leaving the track, and equipment was brought in before dawn from Spokane and Pasco to rerail them, said Seattle spokesman Gus Melonas for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which owns and maintains the tracks.

Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF expected to have the damaged single main-line track reopened within 24 hours, he said. In the meantime, some freight traffic will be detoured on alternate lines within the state.

Amtrak passengers will be bused between Spokane and Portland, Ore., during the interruption, Melonas said.

The cause of the derailment was under investigation, he said.