Amtrak Train Hits Crane, Derails Near Colo.-Neb. Border

An Amtrak train hit a crane and derailed in southwestern Nebraska, just east of the Colorado state line, early Friday. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the construction crane was obstructing the BNSF Railway tracks near Benkelman, Neb. The eastbound California Zephyr hit the crane and derailed at about 7:50 a.m. "The train was slowing down, then all of a sudden, we heard the horn honk constantly," said passenger Rachel Keuhn. "Once we hit, there were big crashing sounds, a lot of smoke, and I started to see things flying all over."