An Amtrak train carrying more than 200 passengers derailed in northern Missouri on Monday after hitting a dump truck at an uncontrolled crossing, killing two aboard and a person in the truck, and injuring at least 50, officials said.
Eight cars and two locomotives derailed, Amtrak said, leaving all but one car lying on its side along the track surrounded by grass and farmland. Passengers evacuated the wreck through windows facing skyward, social media images showed, as dozens of rescue vehicles and some helicopters soon converged on the scene.
Rescuers used ladders to reach people perched atop the train. A vehicle axle was among the debris strewn along the track.
The train with 243 passengers and a dozen crew on board hit the vehicle near Mendon, Missouri, at 1:42 p.m. ET (1742 GMT) as it traveled eastbound from Los Angeles to Chicago, Amtrak, the U.S. national passenger carrier, said.
Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Justin Dunn confirmed the deaths at a news conference. He said the collision occurred at an uncontrolled crossing without lights or signals.
At least 50 people were injured, the Chariton County Ambulance Service said.
