For Immediate Release (21-17)

Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail (202) 320-2723; sjeansgail@narprail.org

Rail Passengers Association Statement on Amtrak Empire Builder Derailment Near Joplin, MT

Rail Passengers Association CEO Jim Mathews issued the following statement on the derailment of Amtrak Empire Builder Train No. 7/27 near Joplin, Montana:

"We at Rail Passengers were shocked and saddened to learn about this evening's derailment of Amtrak's Empire Builder. As someone who spent 13 years in the fire service as a firefighter and medic, I know firsthand how chaotic an incident like this can be and how much the available information can change. We won't speculate on what might have happened or how, but I ask that you keep the victims, their families, Amtrak crews and the first responders in your prayers as we await further news."

---

About Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S. Our mission is to improve and expand conventional intercity and regional passenger train services, support higher speed rail initiatives, increase connectivity among all forms of transportation and ensure safety for our country's trains and passengers. All of this makes communities safer, more accessible, and more productive, improving the lives of everyone who lives, works and plays in towns all across America.

###