Amtrak train strikes tree along Old Highway 100 near Washington, Missouri

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. – An Amtrak train on its way to Kansas City struck a tree Monday afternoon while traveling just outside Washington, Missouri.

The incident happened near Ming Drive off Old Highway 100, south of the Missouri River.

According to Marc Magliari, a spokesman for Amtrak Government Affairs& Corporate Communications, Train 319 hit the tree around 4:55 p.m.

Magliari said the rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the tracks. Train 319 is made up of seven railcars.

There were no reported injuries among the 124 passengers and five crew members, Magliari said.

Abe Cook, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency director, was part of a nearby command post where communications between various agencies were coordinated. He said the train cars remained upright but getting to the scene was a challenge.

“The train is located on the tracks, which is behind a bluff, which makes it very difficult to get to,” Cook said.

All-terrain vehicles were used to help get first responders to the scene. They were able to quickly determine there were no immediate signs of injuries.

“It appears at this time (Amtrak) will be bringing passenger cars into transfer for the persons that are on that passenger car,” Assistant Chief Mark Skornia with the Washington Fire Department said.

Power was eventually restored to the train. Meanwhile, Amtrak is in the process of arranging transportation for passengers to their final destinations.

Train 319, which operates daily between Chicago and Kansas City through St. Louis, uses a route owned, maintained, and controlled by Union Pacific Railroad.

Ming Drive is approximately five miles east of Washington.

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