(UPDATE, 6:25 pm) Amtrak says that as of 5:46 pm, the Empire Builder is back on the move and operating about four hours late.
They noted as a reminder that no customers will be allowed to board the train between Malta (MAL) and St. Cloud (SCD).
(UPDATE, 4:47 pm) Amtrak says that as of 4:36 pm, the Empire Builder is moving and has made it to Havre.
Amanda Frickel, the Hill County coordinator for Disaster & Emergency Services, confirmed to MTN News that the second-to-last rail car partially derailed, leaving its wheels in the dirt - but the car remained upright.
Frickel said all passengers evacuated safely, and there were no injuries.
(UPDATE, 3:53 pm) Amtrak says that due to equipment issues, on-time alternate transportation in place of Empire Builder Train 8/28 will operate between St. Paul (MSP) and Chicago (CHI).
Amtrak says that affected passengers can call call 1-800-USA-RAIL for assistance. Amtrak has not disclosed the nature of the equipment issues.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana says with three train derailments in Montana in recent weeks, he will question the U.S. Department of Transportation to get "answers and accountability."
(UPDATE, 3:30 pm) Amtrak says that as of 3:23 pm, due to equipment issues on the Empire Builder Train, no customers will be boarded between Malta (MAL) and St. Cloud (SCD).
Witness reports indicate that one of the rail cars partially derailed several miles west of Havre, but all cars remain upright.
(1st REPORT, 2:51 pm) The eastbound Amtrak "Empire Builder" passenger train has stopped near Havre.
Just after 2 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023, Amtrak said on social media that the train departed Seattle early this morning and is now stopped east of Shelby.
Amtrak has not yet released a reason for the stoppage, nor provided a precise location.
There are no indications that the stoppage is related to clean-up from Saturday's freight train derailment several miles east of Havre.
We will update you if we get more information.
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