Chicago-bound Amtrak train strikes vehicle near Ann Arbor

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(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) An Amtrak train on its way to Chicago struck “a heavy vehicle” in Michigan, causing the engine and first two cars to derail.

There are no reports of serious injuries, but several passengers and crew members on the Amtrak Wolverine Service Train 351 were taken to an Ann Arbor hospital for examination, a release from Amtrak said.

The train “made contact with a heavy vehicle in it’s path at a public highway crossing” in Ann Arbor, the release said. At the time of the incident, the train was eastbound from Pontiac, Mich., to Chicago with 71 passengers and five crew members aboard. The train consisted of two locomotives and six railcars.

The locomotive fell onto its side and the first two cars of the train derailed, Amtrak said.

The crossing where the incident occurred — equipped with warning lights, gates and bells — is owned and maintained by the Norfolk Southern Railway, as are the tracks, the release said.

Amtrak travel through Central Michigan was expected to be disrupted for the balance of the day.

Service is suspended across central Michigan, with alternate transportation being arranged for Wolverine Service trains, the release said.

Passengers who have paid for travel but wish to change plans can receive refunds or re-book for future travel without a fee or penalty. If tickets have not yet been printed, the modification or cancelation can be done on Amtrak.com or by using the Amtrak for iPhone app, the release said.

Passengers are encouraged to call (800) 872-7245 or visit Amtrak.com/alerts for Service Alerts and Passenger Notices.