Train crash wrongful death lawsuit filed by trucker’s widow set for trial
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A trial in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widow of a truck driver whose vehicle collided with an Amtrak train in Chariton County is tentatively scheduled for October 2024.
A scheduling order filed last week said the case is set for a two-week trial that would start Oct. 28, 2024. Erin Barton of Brookfield, Missouri, sued track owner Burlington Northern Santa Fe, a BNSF manager and Chariton County in July 2022. The crash happened that June.
Barton alleges the crossing where Billy Barton II died had a steep incline, poor visibility because of its angle and overgrown brush and no active devices to warn drivers. The petition filed in Chariton County court says Billy Barton didn't hear or see the train coming.
Barton was driving a dump truck for an excavating company when the collision happened. He died at the scene. Three passengers were killed and about 150 people were injured.
The Amtrak train -- the Southwest Chief No. 4 -- was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago when the crash happened. The train slammed into the right rear side of the truck at 87 mph. The crossing did not have lights or bells to warn drivers of oncoming trains.
