On June 27, an Amtrak train headed for Chicago from Los Angeles hit a dump truck at a Mendon, Missouri, crossing and derailed. At least three people – two train passengers and the dump truck driver - were killed. At least 50 people were injured as a result of the derailment, which occurred in rural Missouri, about two hours north of Kansas City, Missouri.
There were 243 passengers and 12 crew workers onboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the deadly train crash. Reportedly eight train cars derailed as a result of the collision.
Preliminary reports from the Missouri Highway Patrol indicate that the railroad crossing where the train hit the dump truck and derailed was uncontrolled, meaning there were no warning lights or drop-down arms.
According to news reports, a local farmer recently warned that the crossing was not safe. Since then, others have reported similar complaints abougt known dangers at the crossing.
Each year, over 500 people lose their lives in railroad collisions. Many accidents occur at highway grade crossings, some of which are not well protected.
Railroad cases are some of the most challenging cases to bring in court, and require a law firm that has substantial experience regarding the railroad industry. Gray Ritter Graham has represented victims of fatal railroad crossing accidents and has obtained just compensation for them.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.
Authored by Gray Ritter Graham. Posted in Blog June 28, 2022
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