Update, 10/16/99, 10:45 PM:
Amtrak has now informed the public of the full extent of damage, injuries, delays, and cancellations as a result of the Southwest Chief derailment. You may view the press release at http://www.amtrak.com/news/pr/eq.html. Amtrak has also set up a special phone number for friends and family of those who were on board the derailed train 3 last night at 1-800-523-9101.
Update, 10/16/99, 4:50 AM:
Amtrak has confirmed that, although 20 cars derailed, they all remained
upright. 155 passengers were on board at the time, and they will all be bussed
to the remaining stops of Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, Fullerton, and
Los Angeles. There is an unconfirmed report from NBC News and the San Bernardino
County Sherriff's Department of one injury to a passenger who
panicked after the derailment, but apparently no serious injuries have occured
due to the derailment of train 3.
At 2:46 AM PDT on 10/16/99 , a 7.0 earthquake stuck 32 miles north of Joshua Tree, California. At the time, Amtrak train 3, the westbound Southwest Chief, derailed at least 20 cars near the town of Ludlow, halfway between Needles and Barstow. At press time, injuries have been confirmed, but the extent of those injuries are still not known. Please check back here frequently for updates, as we will pass on to you any new information we receive.
If you're concerned that a loved one may have been on board this train and was injured in the derailment, please call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). If any special numbers are set up for this incident, we'll let you know.
For more information, please visit the following:
