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Seven hurt, one seriously, after Amtrak train accident in Vermont

By Andrew V. Pestano and Doug G. Ware

NORTHFIELD, Vt., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Seven people were injured when multiple Amtrak train cars derailed Monday morning between Vermont's towns of Roxbury and Northfield after hitting a rock slide.

The derailment occurred about 10:30 a.m. in the area near Northfield's Route 12A and Bull Run Road. It had just stopped in Montpelier and was on its way to Randolph, officials said.

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Officials say about 100 people were aboard the train at the time of the accident. Six were treated at the scene for non life-threatening injuries and one was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries, WCAX-TV reported.

"Amtrak management is responding to the reported derailment of Train 55 -- the Vermonter -- in the area of Roxbury, Vermont. The train was traveling from Saint Albans, Vt., to Washington, D.C. when it derailed after reportedly striking a rock slide on the tracks," Amtrak said in a statement.

The rest of the passengers boarded a bus to nearby Norwich University to arrange the rest of their trip. They were given bus passes to reach their destinations. Some of the passengers were on the train as part of a fall foliage tour, WCAX reported.

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Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin praised the train crew and said they handled the situation as best they could, adding that Amtrak travel in Vermont is one of the safest options available.

The Federal Railroad Administration will investigate the derailment.

Monday's derailment comes months after an Amtrak train derailed in May near Philadelphia, killing seven.

WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

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