Amtrak Train Derails in Missouri Killing 4 & Injuring 50 Others

On Monday, June 27^th, an Amtrak train hit a dump truck at a public crossing in Missouri and derailed. The train was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago and carried approximately 12 crew members and 275 passengers. Tragically, at least four people were killed, and at least 50 people were injured. We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and our deepest sympathies to all the crash victims and their families.

Have the Victims Been Identified?

Three of the fatalities were train passengers, and one was in the dump truck. The victims include:

• Bill Barton II, the driver of the dump truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.
• Rachelle Cook, a train passenger. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.
• Kim Holsapple, a train passenger. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.
• Binh Phan, a train passenger. Phan was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of Missouri.

A GoFundMe has been organized for both Cook and Holsapple as they were both traveling from De Soto Kansas together for a four-day getaway. They also traveled with other members of their family who have been hospitalized due to their injuries.

What Injuries Have Been Reported?

While reports are still being developed, 12 hospitals have taken in victims, and the number of injuries reported continues to increase. Common injuries sustained in derailment accidents include:

• Fractured or crushed bones
• Amputation
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns or scars
• Bruises
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash
• Psychological damage or trauma

More Accident Details

Two locomotives, six coach cars, one café car, and a luggage car derailed during the accident. While no passengers were ejected from the train, debris shattered the windows and entered many train cars.

The train crossing where the collision occurred is an uncontrolled crossing, and a crash expert has said the crossing is dangerous as it is too steep. Reportedly, a local farmer, Mike Spencer, has previously warned the railway about how dangerous the crossing is.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is handling the investigation of the crash. According to authorities, the train was traveling just under the speed limit before the collisions, and they have not discovered any mechanical issues with the train. They will review camera footage, reports, and more.

Have Any Lawsuits Been Filed?

Yes. Bill Barton II’s widow has filed a wrongful death suit against Mariano Rodriguez, the manager of the railway’s engineering department, and Chariton County, Missouri, which is where the crash occurred. Her suit claims that the county breached its duty in ensuring the railway was properly designed, inspected, and maintained and that it violated railway and roadway safety standards. In the lawsuit, Rodriguez is named in the suit for allegedly failing to design and maintain the railway as the crossing’s surfaces were unsafe and the surrounding area was not maintained.

Amtrak has also filed a $75,000 lawsuit against MS Contracting and the owner of the dump truck involved in the collision. They are claiming that the driver and company knew how dangerous the crossing was and did not exercise due care.

Get Legal Help

At Farah Law, our attorneys have over four decades of legal experience and are dedicated to helping clients fight for their right to compensation. While no amount of compensation excuses negligence nor will it alleviate your pain, it can help to cover the expenses associated with your medical expenses or funeral costs.