Amtrak Train Derailment Near Chicago Causes Major Disruption, Stranding More Than Two Hundred Fifty Passengers During Peak Thanksgiving Travel and Rerouting Them by Bus: New Update

Published on December 2, 2025

An Amtrak train derailment near Chicago caused significant disruption to holiday travel, stranding more than two hundred fifty passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The incident occurred on Train Twenty-Two, which was en route from San Antonio to Chicago, when it went off the tracks just outside the city. With Thanksgiving travel in full swing, this derailment left travelers stranded and forced Amtrak to reroute them by bus to continue their journey to Chicago. The disruption, which occurred during peak holiday travel, created major inconvenience but was managed swiftly to ensure passengers’ safety and comfort.

A serious disruption struck on one of the busiest travel days of the year when an Amtrak train derailed near Chicago, affecting passengers during the peak of the Thanksgiving holiday rush. The incident involved Train 22, which operates a daily route between San Antonio and Chicago, with a scheduled stop in St. Louis. The derailment left 253 passengers stranded and forced them to continue their journey by bus, highlighting the challenges faced during high-demand travel periods.

Details of the Derailment

On Sunday morning, Train 22 departed St. Louis at approximately 8 a.m. heading toward Chicago. The train encountered difficulties around 1:35 p.m. CT, roughly 15 miles southwest of Chicago, when two sets of wheels on the locomotive and one set on a railcar left the tracks at low speed. This took place on a stretch of CN tracks, bringing the train to a halt.

Amtrak quickly confirmed that there were no injuries to passengers or crew. While the exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation, the company made it clear that the safety and comfort of those aboard were top priorities. After the derailment, the locomotive continued to power the train’s comfort systems, ensuring passengers had access to essential services such as lighting, heating, and air conditioning during the wait for assistance.

Ensuring Passenger Comfort Amid the Disruption

In response to the situation, Amtrak crews acted swiftly to keep passengers comfortable and informed. While waiting for further transportation, food and beverages were provided to the 253 passengers, and efforts were made to minimize the inconvenience caused by the unexpected delay.

In an effort to get passengers back on track, Amtrak coordinated with local transit authorities to organize a transfer to chartered buses. These buses were sent to a nearby commuter rail station to take passengers to their final destination in Chicago. Although the rerouting was not ideal, it allowed passengers to continue their travels despite the unforeseen delay.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

The response to the derailment involved a coordinated effort between Amtrak and several local agencies, including CN and Metra Commuter Rail. These agencies provided vital assistance in managing the logistics of the situation, ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of passengers to buses. Amtrak expressed gratitude for the prompt and professional response from these partners, which played a key role in minimizing further disruption to the travel plans of passengers.

Although the derailment created a major inconvenience, the collaborative efforts ensured that the 253 passengers were safely transported to Chicago despite the unexpected change in their plans. The situation could have been far more disruptive had it not been for the quick-thinking actions of the local authorities and Amtrak personnel.

Ongoing Investigation and Impact on Future Travel

Amtrak has announced that the cause of the derailment is under investigation. While the company has yet to provide further details, it has emphasized its commitment to safety and thoroughness in determining the underlying causes. The investigation is crucial not only to understand the incident but also to prevent future occurrences, especially given the significant impact this disruption had during such a high-demand travel period.

The derailment occurred at a time of heightened travel activity, with Thanksgiving marking one of the busiest periods for Amtrak’s Midwestern routes. During this time, many passengers rely on rail travel to visit family and friends, leading to increased demand on trains. Adverse weather conditions and equipment failures can exacerbate delays, making peak season travel even more challenging.

Despite occasional disruptions, Amtrak has worked to enhance its service and improve the reliability of its operations. This derailment serves as another reminder of the complexities involved in operating a transportation system during times of high demand. It also emphasizes the importance of robust contingency planning to minimize the effects of unforeseen events like this one.

An Amtrak train derailment near Chicago stranded more than two hundred fifty passengers during peak Thanksgiving travel, forcing them to continue their journey by bus. The disruption, caused by the derailment of Train Twenty-Two, highlighted the challenges of holiday travel.

The derailment of Amtrak Train 22 near Chicago highlights the unpredictable nature of holiday travel and the challenges of ensuring smooth operations during peak periods. While the incident caused significant delays and inconvenience for passengers, Amtrak’s quick response and the assistance of local authorities ensured that travelers were able to reach their destination in Chicago. As the investigation into the cause of the derailment continues, Amtrak remains committed to learning from this event and improving its systems for future travel seasons. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about updates and potential disruptions, especially during busy travel periods when the likelihood of delays increases.