$300,000 Reward Offered After Train Derailment Accident

On Friday, April 10, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) will be announcing a $5,000 increase to a monetary award that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a 1995 train derailment in Arizona.

The reward, now up to $310,000, will be paid collectively by multiple entities.

On Oct. 9, 1995, The Sunset Limited train derailed in the early morning hours approximately 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. The accident led to the death of one Amtrak employee. 12 passengers were seriously injured and approximately 100 other passengers suffered minor injuries.

An investigation found that 19 feet of rail was ripped loose, 29 spikes were pulled out and plates that connect the rails to the railroad ties were removed. The Amtrak train dropped off a railroad bridge and fell 30 feet into a dry wash area. Eight cars were derailed and four fell into the wash area, another four cars at the end of the train did not derail.

Twenty years after the accident, questions remain about who was behind the sabotage. A note found nearby claimed that the Sons of Gestapo were responsible. The note included critiques of local authorities. Some believed an anti-government group may have been behind the crash.

Train Accidents and Derailments

The U.S. has one of the best train safety records in the entire world. National train accidents have declined by 43 percent since 2004. However, railway accidents still occur each year despite the increase of safety measures. In Arizona, since 2011, more than 64 train accidents have been reported; 33 of these accidents led to fatalities.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Arizona train accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. The Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help you determine what your legal options are.

For a free claim review, call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out the Free Case Review form on this page.