GALESBURG, Ill. — As the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners sets off on its annual trip and convention this week, the organization has released a statement on the weekend derailment of Amtrak’s Empire Builder in northern Montana.
“It is horrifying to see the derailed and overturned rail cars. For many of us, rail travel is a passion and something we often do just because there was an opportunity to take a train to a destination. The sometimes higher costs and extra time to take the train are often not a primary consideration,” the organization says. “Just the chance to see our beautiful country through the windows of our coaches, roomettes, and bedrooms is worth it. To see the photos of the derailment and knowing people lost their lives inside something we cherish is a somber feeling.
“Despite this tragedy, most of us will continue to support Amtrak and travel on their trains. By the nature of private cars, the owners and operators develop much closer relationships with the employees at Amtrak than the average traveler. We know many by their first and last names and can appreciate the hard work they do to keep the trains running. It is heartbreaking that Amtrak and its passengers must suffer another tragedy.
“Times like this can be frustrating. There is little we can do to help those involved in the derailment other than offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of those that have lost their lives and the hope for a speedy recover for anyone injured.”
Saturday’s derailment occurred at about 3:55 p.m. at mileposts 1015.8 between Havre and Shelby on BNSF Railway’s Hi Line Subdivision near the small, unincorporated community of Joplin in north-central Montana. Three passengers were killed and dozens more were injured.
Fortunately, no private passenger cars were coupled to this ill-fated train. Vintage cars are irreplaceable and difficult to repair.
That seems like a heartless comment. I believe the loss of three lives is significantly more tragic then a damaged private passenger car.
I don’t think that was the most appropriate comment…