An Amtrak train headed from Detroit to Chicago has derailed at about 8 a.m. after colliding with a truck east of Jackson, Michigan. A passenger on board says he does not believe there are serious injuries on board. He does not know the truck driver's fate. The track is pretty badly torn up, according to the passenger -- so expect Amtrak service to Detroit to be suspended for at least the rest of the day.
UPDATE: Area media are reporting that the truck driver was not seriously hurt, nor was the engineer, who must have had a scary ride. The engine landed on its side after the crash; the cafe car behind the engine was jackknifed by the impact and partially overturned. The passenger I spoke with was in the first coach behind the cafe, which derailed but remained upright. He said he was dozing off when he was awakened by a jolt from the collision.
I'm told the truck was stuck on the track when the collision occurred. Investigators will have to determine if the driver is at fault for that.
Toledoblade.com's on-going news-service coverage of the accident can be found here.
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