Amtrak passenger train derails after impact with semi-truck

LEONI TOWNSHIP., Mich. (WXYZ) - UPDATE: Amtrak plans to have its service back on track across Michigan Thursday morning.

An Amtrak passenger train derailed around 8:15 Wednesday morning in Leoni Township, east of Jackson.

12 of the 68 people on board Amtrak Wolverine Service Train 351 suffered minor injuries, along with the truck driver.  They were all transported to nearby Allegiance Hospital in Jackson.

According to the Blackman-Leoni Public Safety Department, the  train made contact with a semi-truck that was in its path at a public highway crossing near Portage and East Michigan Avenue. Police say that semi-truck had some equipment that was hanging too low and caused it to get stuck on the train tracks.

The impact caused the engine to rest on its side and the first two cars of the train lost contact with the rails.

The train was headed from Pontiac to Chicago. 

Mary Connolly was in the first car that ended up tipping over. She said she could hear the "screech".

"We sort of shot forward. We ended up waiting around a bit ... then we tipped over," says Connolly.

Michael Robinson was in the second car. He said after impact he could hear some people screaming and crying. As soon as he got off the train he said he just tried to help those who said they were hurt.

Service was suspended across central Michigan for the next several hours with alternate transportation being arranged for this and other Wolverine Service trains.

Amtrak will also offer fare refunds or re-booking for passengers without a fee or penalty.

For more information you can call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com/alerts for Service Alerts and Passenger Notices. Schedule information and train status updates are available at the Amtrak.com home page.