Michigan Amtrak derailment leaves at least 6 hurt

[February 02, 2012]  LEONI TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say at least six people are hurt after a Chicago-bound Amtrak train smashed into a semi that got stuck on tracks in southern Michigan.

Amtrak says the lead engine and at least two train cars derailed Wednesday in Leoni Township. The train had 71 passengers and five crew members.

The Blackman-Leoni Public Safety Department says the injuries are not life-threatening. Authorities were called out shortly before 8:30 a.m. The truck was carrying equipment for local oil production.

Passenger Erik Swanson tells the Jackson Citizen Patriot he was sleeping, and the collision knocked his seat loose. He heard "a lot of grinding, iron on iron."

The train began its trip in Pontiac, north of Detroit.

[Associated Press]

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