Amtrak train derails in Kansas; minor injuries reported

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident

March 15, 2000
Web posted at: 8:04 a.m. EST (1304 GMT)

CARBONDALE, Kansas (CNN) -- An Amtrak train carrying about 160 passengers derailed in northeast Kansas early Wednesday, authorities said.

Between 15 and 30 people suffered "non-life-threatening" injuries consisting mostly of cuts, scrapes, bumps and bruises, Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black told CNN. Injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Topeka.

Six cars of the westbound Southwest Chief went off the track shortly after 2 a.m. local time (3 a.m. ET) near Carbondale, about 15 miles south of Topeka. The daily train was headed from Chicago to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a final destination of Los Angeles.

AUDIO Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black talks to CNN about the derailment 241K/23 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Black said everyone on board was evacuated. He said the derailed cars were two sleeping cars, two lounge cars, a dining car and a coach car.

The cause of the derailment was under investigation.

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