Freight train derails in Elkhart
Statement from Logan County EMA

[May 16, 2017]  ELKHART

Freight train derails in Elkhart

• Date and time of incident: Monday, May 15, 2017, 10:11 p.m.

• Location: Elkhart

• What: One freight train 78 units - one engine and 77 freight cars

• Cause: Unknown, under investigation

• No injuries or loss of life

• Train cars numbered 13 - 31 were affected, some of which were carrying vehicles in transport.

• Hazmat: Cars 55 and 56, which were carrying NaOH isopropylene alcohol, remained upright and have been cleared.

Union Pacific Railroad brought in 11 heavy duty equipment units to clear train cars. By 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday only four of 18 derailed cars remained, and were expected to be cleared soon.

Ameren is presently fixing damaged lines to restore power.

The rail crossing into Elkhart has been cleared. Old Route 66 has been re-opened as of 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

While all roadway access points into Elkhart are open, Elkhart Fire Chief Jay Akers asks that travel be restricted for resident and emergency crew use only; onlookers please stay away. There is a lot of heavy equipment. Farmers are asked to avoid bringing large equipment through town for a couple of days, if possible.

While Union Pacific train crews are working hard, they have a lot to do.

There will be no train traffic through the Elkhart area for an estimated two days as there is an approximately 100 yards of track that is unusable.

St. Louis to Chicago passenger service by Amtrak was already under a revised schedule through May 24 related to rail construction around Springfield. Amtrak will bus passengers in and out of Lincoln for travelers coming from or going south. Train travelers can expect delays. Contact Amtrak for further information: Amtrak.com, use Amtrak's free mobile apps, speak with station personnel or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Motorists should expect added delays at train crossings in downtown Lincoln due to passengers detraining to get on busses and trains turning around at Lincoln. Please be patient and plan for added travel time for the next couple of days.

The public is asked to please stay away from the affected area to allow cleanup and restoration efforts to continue as rapidly as possible.

[News release from the Logan County Emergency Management Agency]

AMTRAK SCHEDULE - Pdf