NTSB: Crossing design contributed to deadly Chariton County Amtrak crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

National accident investigators say in their final report that the design of the railroad crossing in Chariton County where a dump truck hit an Amtrak train last summer contributed to the deadly crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board issued a release Wednesday on its final report on the June 27, 2022, crash. Three train passengers and the dump truck driver died. Two of the passengers were in the lounging car at the time of the crash, the report says.

The NTSB has said the train was traveling about 90 mph, which is legally authorized, when the dump truck crossed the tracks at the crossing on Porche Prairie Avenue near Mendon. The crossing did not have any lights or electronic control devices.

Eight cars and two locomotives derailed in the crash.

The NTSB says the driver was compliant with regulations, wasn't impaired by alcohol or drugs and was traveling at authorized speed. The board said the steepness of the road and the angle of the intersection at the crossing were factors in the crash.

The NTSB says the City of Chillicothe, Chariton County and the Missouri Department of Transportation have a plan to close and redesign other passive crossings.

Several lawsuits filed by passengers and Amtrak employees related to the crash are ongoing.

The NTSB's chair, Jennifer Homendy described the crossing after the crash as steep and said people she met with, including a farmer and the presiding county commissioner, complained about the crossing's steepness and sight distance and noted its lack of lights and other features.