NTSB: Derailed Michigan Train Was On Wrong Track
NILES (WWJ/AP) - Federal officials say an Amtrak train that derailed in southwestern Michigan last weekend was on the wrong track due to a reversed switch.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a statement Tuesday saying the switch sent the passenger train into a rail yard. It says the train stopped about 21 feet from an empty ballast hopper car that was stored on the track.
The Amtrak train was traveling about 60 mph from Chicago to Pontiac on Sunday around 10 a.m. when two of its locomotives and one or more coaches derailed. It happened near Niles, just north of the Indiana state line.
The train was carrying more than 170 passengers and four crew members. About a dozen people were injured.
Amtrak says it's cooperating with the investigation. The NTSB and others are investigating.
TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
