Water heater explodes on train

RATON, N.M. -- An Amtrak train enroute to Los Angeles from Chicago was forced to make an extended stop here Sunday after a water heater on one of its passenger cars exploded and injured five people.

The heater ruptured around 11:30 a.m. as the westbound Southwest Chief was just outside of Raton in far northeastern New Mexico.

"The water heater built up too much pressure and it ruptured, causing the floor on the second level to heave upward," said Lt. David Quiggle of the Raton Fire Department. "Probably two rows of chairs were heaved up."

Quiggle said three people were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and later released. Two others were treated at the scene.

A total of 176 passengers were on board at the time of the explosion.

Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Van Veen said Amtrak officials were still investigating the incident.