NW Arkansas Train Accident Injures 44, 5 in Critical Condition

A passenger train on a sightseeing trip crashed in Northwest Arkansas on Thursday, leaving 44 people injured, five of whom were listed in critical condition.

The accident took place at approximately 10:30 a.m. in Washington County on October 16, and involved four train cars transporting 44 passengers and six crew members. Local authorities confirmed that 31 passengers were taken to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The train was operated by Arkansas & Missouri railroad.

John Luther, emergency management director for Washington County, said that 37 passengers walked away from the crash, though hazmat teams were called to the crash site to tend to 300 gallons of spilled fuel.

Speculation remains as to the actual cause of the crash. Officials have stated that the train departed Springdale and was on its way to Van Buren, a 134-mile trek, when it stalled. A second train was sent to assist, but the stalled train and the second train collided.

The accident was by no means minor, and required emergency responders from several agencies. Highway 71 remains closed in the area. Oliver Law Firm will continue to monitor the story and update as details of the crash become available.