Amtrak Auto train derails near DeLand; no one injured

An Amtrak Auto train derailed Thursday sending nine of its train cars hauling vehicles off the tracks in the area of West Beresford Road and Alexander Drive near DeLand, according to Volusia County Fire.

The passenger portion of the train did not derail and none of the 294 passengers aboard were injured, said Volusia County Fire Acting Division Chief Bill Medlin.

A problem with the track apparently caused the derailment about 4:15 p.m. after the train had left Sanford.

One of the 23 crew members aboard the train suffered a foot injury and was transported to a hospital, Medlin said.

The nine derailed cars were hauling 179 vehicles, Medlin said. One of the vehicle cars is on its side but still attached to the train.

A crane is expected to arrive about 8:30 p.m. to lift that vehicle car up and then crews will detach it from the train. Once that is done, the passenger portion of the train will continue north to its ultimate destination in Virgina, Medlin said.

To accommodate railroad repair, the Volusia County Road and Bridge Department announced Friday morning that South Beresford Road from West Beresford Avenue to Alexander Drive will be continuously closed through Monday .

“A well signed road closure/detour will be in place,” the announcement stated. “If you have any questions, please contact Dave Padgett, Volusia County Road and Bridge at 386-239-6535.”

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