Damaged Amtrak is on the Move

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“We sincerely regret the extended delay customers on the southbound Coast Starlight experienced due to extreme weather issues,” says Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Scot Naparstek. “With more than a foot of heavy snow and numerous trees blocking the track, we made every decision in the best interest of the safety of our customers during the unfortunate sequence of events.”

Yesterday we brought you news about Amtrak Train 11, the southbound Coast Starlight becoming damaged, disabled and stranded in Oakridge, Oregon following a severe winter storm that crippled the Cascades. This morning we have learned that the train is limping it’s way back to Eugene, Oregon– a location it left two days earlier.

Union Pacific crews have cleared the rail line between Eugene and Oakridge of downed trees and power lines. A Union Pacific engine has connected with the disabled train and will pull it 50-miles back to the Amtrak station in Eugene.

“The Amtrak train that has been stranded in Oakridge, Oregon, is now moving, headed to Eugene, Oregon, pulled by a Union Pacific locomotive,” says Tim McMahan, Corporate Relations for Union Pacific. “The train had been inoperable due to weather conditions and downed trees. UP crews worked overnight to clear the tracks.”

“With local power outages and blocked roads, it was decided the safest place for our customers was to remain on the train where we were able to provide food, heat, electricity and toilets,” says Naparstek. “Amtrak crews worked with local resources and the train is now enroute north to Eugene, Oregon.

“We will be contacting customers to provide refunds and other compensation as appropriate,” said Naparstek.

Klamath Falls News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.

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