Railroads

NTSB to investigate fatal Montana Amtrak derailment

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the fatal passenger train derailment in Montana on Saturday.

At least three people were killed and dozens others injured when seven cars on an Amtrak train traveling from Seattle to Chicago derailed near Joplin, Mont.

Local officials said the number of injured individuals was “well over” 50.

“The NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Saturday’s derailment of Amtrak’s Empire Builder train near Joplin, Montana. Team will be based in Great Falls, Montana. Check Twitter @ntsb_newsrooom for updates,” the agency said on Saturday evening.

At least five hospitals were reportedly on call to receive injured passengers. Those who have received medical care have been placed in local hotels. 

The derailment has caused numerous Empire Builder trains in the region to be cancelled or have their routes altered.

–Updated at 7:32 a.m.