Local and state emergency crews in and around Northfield responded to an Amtrak train derailment Monday morning, Oct. 5, Vermont state police reported. The passenger train, “The Vermonter,” which travels daily between St. Albans and Washington, D.C. was headed south when it struck a rockslide and derailed in the town of Northfield at 10:30 a.m.
Seven people were transported to area hospitals with injuries. Six of those patients were taken by ambulance to Central Vermont Medical Center and one to Dartmouth Medical Center by DHART helicopter.
Upon notification of the derailment Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn activated the State Emergency Operations Center to offer assistance and assets to local responders on the scene. The Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Vermont state police, search and rescue, Agency of Transportation, Department of Health and Red Cross reported to assist.
The state and local search and rescue teams provided assistance by sweeping the train and the area to ensure all passengers and crew were accounted for.
Vermont state police provided access and traffic control. Route 12a was reduced to one lane with alternating traffic.
The Vermont hazmat team responded to contain a fuel spill.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation estimates it will take several days for the owner of the track to clear the train and the rockslide.
