Heavy snow, closed roads delayed rescue of nearly 200 passengers stuck on Amtrak train
Amtrak train bound for Los Angeles collided with a tree on tracks near Oakridge, Oregon; Dan Springer reports from Seattle.
A Los Angeles-bound Amtrak train that left Seattle Sunday morning has been stranded in Oregon for more than 24 hours after a downed tree and heavy snow prevented it from moving forward, according to officials.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight train, carrying 183 passengers, stopped in Oakridge, Ore., just before 6:30 p.m., said Olivia Irvin, an Amtrak spokeswoman.
She said heavy snow and debris on the tracks have kept the train stuck in the area – about 45 miles southeast of Eugene – and there’s no indication when they can leave, The Oregonian reported.
Nearly 200 passengers onboard an Amtrak train have been stuck in Oregon for more than 24 hours. (Twitter/@Amtrak)
The intense weather in the area has prevented alternative forms of transportation, Irvin said.
She said the passengers may not be rescued until Tuesday morning. Union Pacific is reportedly working to help clear a path for the train.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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