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The train lies on its side near Mendon, Missouri
Photo:
Dax Mcdonald / dpa
A long-distance train carrying 243 passengers and 12 employees derailed in the US state of Missouri.
The operating company Amtrak announced on Monday that there were “first reports of injuries” – without initially giving further details.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol official confirmed that three people were killed in the accident.
CNN previously reported.
At least 50 other people were injured, according to CNN.
Eight wagons derailed
The train, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, collided with a truck at a level crossing in Mendon, derailing eight cars and two locomotives.
The truck blocked the level crossing in Mendon, a town about 150 kilometers northeast of Kansas City, Amtrak said.
The first photos and videos on social media showed wagons tipped on their side next to the tracks.
Some of the passengers who were able to free themselves were sitting on the overturned wagons.
ngo/dpa/AP
