Amtrak, truck collide in Leeper

Daily American Republic

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The cause of a Wednesday morning collision between an Amtrak train and a semi-tractor trailer in Leeper remains under investigation, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Two people were injured in the accident in which the train, carrying 174 passengers and 11 crew members, collided with the semi at the railroad crossing on Highway 49 in Leeper at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to Larry Plunkett Jr., public information officer for Highway Patrol Troop E.

Plunkett said the driver of the semi sustained moderate injuries and one train passenger received minor injuries and was being transported by ambulance to an area hospital. One passenger on the train had minor injuries, but chose to stay on the train rather than seek treatment at an area hospital, Plunkett said.

According to Plunkett, Amtrak Train No. 22 left San Antonio on Tuesday and was northbound on route to Chicago when the accident occurred. The last stop it had made was in Poplar Bluff.

He said the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and ambulances responded to the accident.