Amtrak crash: History of train accidents from vehicle collisions

An Amtrak train travelling from Los Angeles to Chicago hit a dump truck and derailed in Mendon, Missouri. Reportedly, 243 passengers were on board and many have been injured as per the news that’s emerged thus far. 

The incident has again shone a light upon the many Amtrak derailments that have taken place over the years. There have always been injuries and in many cases, casualties as well. However, there are many reasons for a train to get derailed, including obstructions and faulty equipment. Here’s a look at some of the deadliest accidents caused by vehicular collisions. 

November 19, 1975

The accident took place in Elwood, Illinois when a dump truck hit the train at a grade crossing., injuring 41.

December 15, 1976

The train hit a tanker truck at a grade crossing in Marland, Oklahoma, killing 3 and injuring 11. 

October 2, 1977

The train hit a pickup truck at a grade crossing in Plant City, Florida. All 10 occupants of the truck were killed. 

July 28, 1983

Twenty-one people were injured when a train struck a delivery truck at a grade crossing in Wilmington, Illinois. 

July 11, 1984

A train hit a gasoline tanker at a grade crossing in McBee, South Carolina, leaving two dead and five injured.  

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September 28, 1989

The train hit a fire engine at a grade crossing in Catlett, Virginia, killing three and injuring 81. 

December 19, 1989

There was another incident the same year in Stockton, California, when a train hit a tractor-trailer, injuring 50 and killing three in the process. 

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April 29, 1992

The train hit a dump truck at a grade crossing in Newport News, Virginia, leaving one dead and 54 injured. 

March 15, 1999

The train struck a tractor-trailer at a grade crossing in Bourbonnais, Illinois, leaving 11 dead and 122 injured. 

May 6, 2003

An Amtrak train hit a lumber truck at a grade crossing in Hinesville, Georgia, killing two and injuring 27. 

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June 24, 2011

A tractor-trailer hit a train at a grade crossing in Fallon, Nevada, and six died. 

March 9, 2015

The train hit a truck with an oversize load at a grade crossing in Halifax, North Carolina, injuring 74. 

January 31, 2018

The train collided with a garbage truck at a grade crossing in Crozet, Virginia. One died and nine were injured in the accident.