Chicago-Bound Amtrak Halted After Fatality on the Tracks

A Chicago-bound Amtrak train en route from Washington, D.C., was forced to stop in Maryland after striking and killing a teenager who was crossing the railroad tracks.

Montgomery County Police are investigating the collision and rail service has been stopped.

The Amtrak train was en route from Washington, D.C., to Chicago after a stop at Rockville, the Washington Post reports. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Spokesperson Pete Piringer more than 200 passengers were on board the train when the collision occurred. There are being told to stay in place.

EMS personnel evaluated passengers and took six bystanders from the scene. Piringer says those taken for medical care did not suffer serious injuries, but were “despondent” after the fatal accident.

The Capitol Limited Amtrak train runs daily between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, with stops in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

»Photo of fatal train/pedestrian accident scene, courtesy of Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service