NTSB begins train crash probe

CHICAGO, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The federal investigation of a collision in Chicago between an Amtrak passenger train and a Norfolk Southern freight began Saturday.

Robert Sumwalt, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said investigators planned to interview the two engineers of Amtrak's Pere Marquette, the Chicago Tribune reported. The train, which originated in Grand Rapids, Mich., rear-ended the freight Friday morning in a rail yard about four miles from its final destination, Union Station in Chicago.

"Our teams are out in the field looking for information," Sumwalt said.

He said they got to work early Saturday to examine the crash scene before a snow storm hit the city.

At least 62 people were hurt in the crash, with most reporting being shaken and bruised. Amtrak officials said all hospitalized crew members and passengers had been released by 3 p.m. Saturday.

The investigation is expected to continue for a year, Sumwalt said.