Cause of Montana Amtrak derailment still under investigation

By AMY BETH HANSON and MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A preliminary report on an Amtrak train derailment in Montana last month that killed three people and injured dozens more offered no clues about what triggered the accident. The report issued Tuesday said the train’s emergency brakes were activated and that Amtrak estimated the damage at more than $22 million. However, an attorney for a passenger who is suing Amtrak and BSNF Railway said he wanted to learn more about the crash-worthiness of the train’s observation car. And an attorney for a crew member said it appeared material underneath a section of track had given way. Federal investigators say it could take a year or two to determine the cause of the crash.