Amtrak delayed by incident

Passengers on Amtrak’s westbound Empire Builder were delayed about nine hours Monday by a train collision and derailment in Casselton, N.D., that led to explosions and a massive fire.

Amtrak bused passengers between Minot and Fargo, N.D., to avoid the Casselton area, skipping stops in Rugby, Devil’s Lake and Grand Forks, N.D., Amtrak spokeswoman Christina Leeds said Tuesday morning.

The Empire Builder train starting its cross-country trek in Chicago on Monday has been able to continue with its normal schedule en route to Seattle and Portland, she said.

No further information was available for Amtrak trains that will be handling the post-holiday passenger load.

BNSF Railway Co. issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the company is “terribly sorry for the inconvenience” the derailment has caused residents in the Casselton area. Railroad emergency responders and hazardous materials teams are working with local emergency responders.

BNSF has set up a toll-free number to help residents inconvenienced by the derailment, 1-866-243-4784, and also will open a claim center on Thursday at the Days Inn in Casselton. Along with a driver’s license or other identification, claimants will need documentation of residency (i.e. mail  with name and address). Business interruption claim forms also will be available at the claims center.