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Questions remain as investigation of western Kan. Amtrak derailment continues

Train derailment on March 14 in Gray County-photo courtesy Daniel Szczerba
Train derailment on March 14 in Gray County-photo courtesy Daniel Szczerba

GRAY COUNTY- The National Transportation Safety Board and law enforcement officials continue to investigate the March 14, Amtrak accident in Gray County.

A feed truck from a nearby lot where cattle are fattened hit the track and shifted it before the train derailed.

Officials know who was driving the vehicle but not that the individual was driving at the time the truck hit the track, according to a media contact with the NTSB.

Officials with the Kansas Highway Patrol have turned the investigation on the truck over to the NTSB, according to Trooper Michael Racy in Garden City.

NTSB board member Earl Weener did not confirm the truck was the cause of the accident.

Feed truck that hit the train track prior to the derailment- photo NTSB
Feed truck that hit the train track prior to the derailment- photo NTSB

He did say the impact of the truck from the Cimarron Crossing Feeders shifted the train track 12 to 14 inches.

The feed company has not commented.

The derailment injured at least 32 people although most were treated and released from the hospital.

More than 140 people were on the train at the time of the accident.

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