Gov. Parson to thank community, first responders for help following deadly Amtrak derailment

CHARITON COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Michael Parson plans to visit Chariton County Thursday following the deadly Amtrak derailment in June.

The governor is scheduled to visit Mendon High School from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. to thank the community and emergency crews for responding to the derailment.

On June 27 at 12:42 p.m., an Amtrak train carrying 270 passengers and 12 crew members derailed at a railroad crossing after crashing into a loaded dump truck. The gravel crossing, southwest of Mendon, isn't marked with warning lights or motion gates.

Investigators said the derailment killed three passengers and the driver of the dump truck. Dozens of other passengers were hurt.

The train known as the "Southwest Chief" was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago when the derailment happened near Mendon. In July, the NTSB released a preliminary report about its ongoing investigation.

At least a dozen lawsuits filed after the derailment are scheduled for a hearing in Chariton County on Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

Gov. Parson also plans to talk about teacher wages during his visit to Mendon High School.