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AmTrak Passengers Get A Little Off Track

Passengers traveling from Williston, N.D., toward Glasgow felt a jostle and a shake on Monday, April 28, near Bainville. The Amtrak Empire Builder train with 11 cars and two locomotives was disabled going over a switch around 2:28 p.m.

Amtrak officials said that the back two cars were disabled and that the train was delayed three and a half hours. Only one passenger, out of the 117 on board, was treated for injuries and released. Amtrak will continue to investigate the cause, along with the owners of the track BNSF.

Glasgow native Fay Hansen, on her way to visit family, and Dan Dale of Glasgow were on board the train during the incident. Dale was sitting in the car just in front of the two cars that found their way off the track. He explained that the train shook and he thought they may have hit something.

Hansen, who was sitting further ahead, explained the same thought of possibly hitting something. She said she wasn't sure something was wrong until the train stopped. Then passengers from the back cars were moved into the other cars.

"The train wasn't full, so people were able to find places," Hansen said.

Amtrak staff were called to help with the incident and they were able to uncouple, or unhook the two back cars. The remaining cars and locomotives continued on their journey westward.

 

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