Amtrak Train Derails near San Antonio; No Injuries Reported

A train was derailed Friday night near San Antonio, says San Antonio Express News. The report further claimed that the train was owned by Amtrak.

According to the report, the train derailment was made known to the San Antonio Police by 8:50 p.m. Friday, local time.

The track is owned by Union Pacific. However, more than one company shares the track - including Amtrak.

Due to the train derailment, the Northbound Exit, 155A was blocked. As a result, motorists traveling on Interstate 10 to Alamo Street encountered traffic delays. However, crews were prompt in terms of starting to work on the site. There was no report as to how many hours it took for the Northbound Exit 155A to clear up.

Despite the blockage, there were no reported injuries due to the train derailment. This was further confirmed Saturday by Amtrak officials.

According to another report by San Antonio Express News, the Texas Eagle train carried 46 passengers on board. None of the 46 passengers were reportedly injured due to the derailment.

The Texas Eagle train was coming from Chicago and was scheduled to stop at Sunset Station upon arriving in San Antonio. The scheduled stop was 2 miles away from where the Amtrak train derailed.

According to Cliff Cole, a spokesman for Amtrak, the engine lost contact with the track thereby causing it to derail. Cole also said that Amtrak has provided all 46 passengers an alternative means of transportation in the form of buses. The provision was set to help passengers arrive at their travel destinations.

Although the cruiser and all other damaged equipment was already removed from the South Alamo exit, the cause of the derailment is still reportedly under investigation, says Cole. Track owner Union Pacific is also conducting evaluations and investigations with regards to damages on the track.

Amtrak currently connects 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. The National Rail Operator runs more than 300 trains each day to more than 500 destinations, says their official website.