By KYGO Staff on January 30, 2024
KEENESBURG, CO – JANUARY 30 : A California Zephyr Amtrak train derailed in Weld County on Monday night after colliding with a milk truck on the tracks, representatives of Amtrak and the Colorado State Patrol confirmed in Keensburg, Colorado on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. All passenger cars stayed upright, and none of the 69 customers on board reported serious injuries. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
An Amtrak train traveling east of Denver collided with a truck last night, resulting in a derailment and injuring several passengers. The incident occurred near the town of Keenesburg, roughly 35 miles northeast of Denver, at approximately 10:00 PM MST.
Details regarding the extent of the damage and the number of injured passengers are still emerging. Local media reports suggest at least two passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Initial reports indicate the truck driver was not injured.
The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with local authorities securing the scene. Emergency response teams are working to evacuate passengers and assess the situation.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” Amtrak spokesperson Anna Smith stated in a press release. “We are working closely with local authorities and the NTSB to determine the cause of this incident and ensure the safety of everyone involved.”
The train was Amtrak’s California Zephyr which runs from the Bay Area to Chicago. All east bound traffic from Denver to Chicago on Amtrak is halted currently.
Disruptions to train service in the area are expected for the foreseeable future. Passengers with travel plans on this route are advised to contact Amtrak directly for updates and alternative travel arrangements.
This incident marks the latest in a string of train accidents involving trucks crossing railroad tracks. While the specific cause of today’s collision remains unknown, it underscores the importance of safety precautions at railroad crossings. Drivers must remain vigilant and obey all warning signs and signals when approaching tracks.
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