You can find an update on this story’s death total here and an update with the scouts here.
MONDAY 6/27/2022 5:30 p.m.
MENDON, Mo. (WFRV) – New details have emerged from the Amtrak train that collided with a dump truck carrying concrete that had several local boy scouts on board.
According to a presser from the Missouri State Patrol, the dump truck and Amtrak collided at an uncontrolled crossing. Officials say seven cars derailed as a result of the collision.
The Missouri State Patrol confirms that there are multiple injuries and three confirmed deaths from this incident, two being on the train and the driver of the dump truck.
Dan Skrypczak, Appleton Troop 73 Scout Master confirms to Local 5 News that one of the boy scouts comforted the dump truck driver before he died from his injuries.
At this time, all injured and uninjured occupants of the train have been transported from the scene.
In this photo provided by Dax McDonald, an Amtrak passenger train lies on its side after derailing near Mendon, Mo., on Monday, June 27, 2022. The Southwest Chief, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, was carrying about 243 passengers when it collided with a dump truck near Mendon, Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said. (Dax McDonald via AP) 
In this photo provided by Dax McDonald, debris sits near railroad tracks after an Amtrak passenger train derailed near Mendon, Mo., on Monday, June 27, 2022. The Southwest Chief, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, was carrying about 243 passengers when it collided with a dump truck near Mendon, Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said. (Dax McDonald via AP)
This is a developing incident and Local 5 News will update this when more information is made available.
Two Appleton boy scout troops among those on Amtrak that derailed in Missouri
MONDAY 6/27/2022 4:01 p.m.
MENDON, Mo. (WFRV) – An Amtrak train carrying 16 boy scouts and 8 adults from the Appleton area collided with a dump truck at a public crossing near Mendon, Missouri on Monday.
The train, which left Kansas City Monday afternoon, was en route to Chicago before becoming derailed due to the crash.
According to Brian Robb, the Director of Field Services for the Bay Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 73 and Troop 12, both based in Appleton, were visiting Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and were heading back home on the Amtrak.
Philmont Scout Ranch is one of the premiere scout camps in the country and the two troops spent ten days trekking over 40 miles in the mountains.
Dan Skrypczak, Appleton Troop 73 Scout Master confirms to Local 5 News that two adults from the group were taken to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.
“Our kids were in various spots of the train. Some were in the dining hall, some were in the gallery, and some were in their seats when it derailed. We had a number of kids with some injuries,” explained Skrypczak in a zoom interview with Local 5. “We had one young man trapped in the lavatory for thirty minutes before he could get out.”
Along with the two adults, two scouts were also taken to be checked out. Skrypczak also tells Local 5 News that six scouts and four adults from the two troops stayed back to help the situation.
“They helped other people, other individuals from the train on backboards to the ambulances,” added Skrypczak. “Almost all of them have taken emergency preparedness merit badge and first-aid merit badge.”
Multiple injuries and deaths are being reported from the 243 passengers.
This is a developing situation and Local 5 News will update this when more information is made available.
