Article published April 19, 2001
Derailment in Indiana slows trains in Toledo
KENDALLVILLE, Ind. - Amtrak travelers between Toledo and Chicago were delayed for hours yesterday by a freight train derailment and collision near Kendallville that sent two Norfolk Southern crewmen from the Toledo area to the hospital.
Witnesses said they saw sparks flying from the eastbound train's brakes as it attempted to stop before the collision. The westbound train reportedly had stopped and its crew was preparing to investigate why its emergency brakes had applied.
Crewmen Bruce Herman, 51, of Toledo and Rex Turner, 56, of Maumee had to be removed from their locomotive, which overturned and burrowed into the ground after the impact. Ms. Bland said both men were released after treatment at a local hospital.
Except for a locomotive fuel spill that was contained, no hazardous materials were involved, and no fire occurred, Ms. Bland said. Kendallville is 90 miles west of Toledo.
Amtrak's Chicago-bound Capitol Limited had traveled 10 miles west of Toledo after making its station stop here. It backed up the 10 miles, then used several East Toledo junctions to turn around and detour over CSX rails via Deshler and Defiance.
Several following Amtrak trains used the same route, which added several hours to their trips.
The accident halted freight traffic on Norfolk Southern's busy line through Toledo as well.
Ms. Bland said the company hoped to have one of the two main tracks open late yesterday, while the second is expected to reopen today.
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