Cause of Montana Amtrak Derailment Still Under Investigation

Workers stand near train tracks next to overturned cars from an Amtrak train that derailed near Joplin, Mont., on Sept. 27, 2021. Ted S. Warren/AP Photo, File

HELENA, Mont.—A preliminary report on an Amtrak train derailment in Montana last month that killed three people and injured dozens more offered no clues about what triggered the accident, but said the train’s emergency brakes were activated and that Amtrak estimated the damage at more than $22 million.

However, one attorney whose client is suing Amtrak and BNSF Railway said he wanted to learn more about the crash-worthiness of the train’s observation car and an attorney for a crew member said she reported seeing a 30-foot dip along the railroad, where it appeared the track bed had given way.