Dozens Hurt In Brookings Train Derailment

Only minor injuries reported

BROOKINGS, BIE--More than two dozen people were taken to local hospitals Sunday evening when a light rail train derailed at an underground station in Brookings, a spokesman for the Brookings-Sebotnee Rail agency said.

The accident occurred at the Wortherton Street station, on the east side of downtown Brookings, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Emergency crews immediately descended on the scene, blocking off traffic to the area for over three hours.

Ron Senn, spokesman for Brookings-Sebotnee Rail, said 131 passengers were on-board the eight-car train at the time of the accident, 27 of which were sent to local hospitals, most for minor injuries. Senn told GNN News none of the injuries were life-threatening.

"To my knowledge, none of the 27 people injured in the accident are critically injured," Senn said.

Emergency crews confirm that 27 people were taken to area hospitals. According to Brookings Police, the most severe injuries were a concussion and a fractured leg. Most of the injured suffered smoke inhalation and mild abrasions, and almost all have been released.

Investigators from the Biereland Transportation Department are trying to determine the cause of the crash. Officials believe a malfunction in the train's hydraulics system may have led to the derailment, which left the front two cars off the track and the other six buckled or compressed in an accordion-style position.

The affected portion of the city's underground light rail system will be closed indefinitely, while officials continue their investigation and construction crews rebuild the line.