Amtrak train halted in Mendota by fallen tree

An Amtrak train was damaged Thursday by a tree that fell on the tracks west of the Ninth Street crossing in Mendota, leading to four broken windows and three passengers being treated for minor injuries.

The Mendota Police Department said it received the report at 9:19 a.m. Thursday. The Amtrak train continued to the Mendota station, where it remained until alternate transportation could be provided for the passengers, police said.

The train carrying 74 passengers from Quincy to Chicago was terminated because of the damage it had sustained, said Marc Magliari, senior public relations manager for Amtrak Government Affairs and Corporate Communications. The passengers were taken to their destinations by chartered bus, including stops at Chicago, Naperville and LaGrange Road, Magliari said. Passengers who stayed back to be treated were taken to their destination on a later train, he said.

A pair of passengers were checked out by the Mendota Fire Department, police said. The Eighth Street crossing was blocked for several hours until alternate transportation for the passengers arrived.