Amtrak Train Twenty-Two Stranded Near Chicago in US: Quick Action Ensures Safe Passenger Transfer to Buses Without Injuries

Published on December 1, 2025

On Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, an Amtrak train operating between St. Louis and Chicago encountered a major disruption when several of its wheels went off the tracks just outside Chicago. The train, which had departed St. Louis around 8 a.m., was unable to continue its journey, forcing Amtrak to activate contingency plans and transfer passengers to charter buses.

The Incident: Details of the Disruption

According to an Amtrak spokesperson, the incident took place at approximately 1:35 p.m. Central Time. The train, identified as Train 22, which travels daily between San Antonio and Chicago with a stop in St. Louis, experienced mechanical issues about 15 miles southwest of Chicago. Two sets of wheels on the locomotive leading the train, along with a set of wheels on one of the railcars, lost contact with the tracks. This mechanical failure occurred at a low speed, and while the situation caused an immediate disruption, the locomotive continued to provide power to the comfort systems across all seven railcars, ensuring that the 253 passengers on board remained comfortable. Complimentary food and beverages were provided as the passengers awaited further instructions.

The exact cause of the wheel‑track contact loss remains under investigation, with Amtrak working closely with relevant authorities to determine what led to the failure. Despite the disruption, no injuries were reported, and passengers were not at risk during the event.

Passenger Evacuation and Alternative Transportation

To ensure that passengers could continue their journey, Amtrak arranged for chartered buses to transport them the rest of the way to Chicago. The buses picked up passengers from a nearby commuter rail station, where they boarded for the remaining leg of their trip. The transfer was organized swiftly, and passengers were able to reach their destination without further delay.

This incident occurred during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year, when demand for transportation is at its peak. However, Amtrak assured passengers that other trains were still operating as scheduled, and normal operations were expected to resume the following day, with five daily round‑trips running between Chicago and St. Louis.

Train 22: A Key Service Between Major Cities

Train 22, part of Amtrak’s extensive route network, is a crucial service connecting San Antonio to Chicago, with a stop in St. Louis. The route is particularly popular during holidays and busy travel seasons, serving both tourists and business travelers alike. The interruption caused by the mechanical failure on November 30 marked an unexpected challenge for both Amtrak and its passengers, but the company’s swift response helped minimize the impact on travelers.

While this incident did disrupt travel plans for those on board, the quick action of Amtrak and its collaboration with local authorities ensured that the situation was handled professionally. The company expressed gratitude to Canadian National Railway (CN), Metra Commuter Rail, and local emergency authorities for their prompt assistance during the incident.

Investigation Underway: Safety Concerns and Future Prevention

Amtrak has committed to thoroughly investigating the cause of the mechanical issue that led to the disruption. This investigation will look into the condition of the tracks and the train’s equipment to determine if any technical failures contributed to the derailment. The company is likely to implement any necessary corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Train derailments, even minor ones, often lead to concerns about passenger safety, and Amtrak is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. The investigation into this incident will also be important for determining whether additional measures or system upgrades are necessary to enhance the reliability and safety of the train service between St. Louis and Chicago.

Operational Impact: Restoring Normal Service

Despite the disruption caused by the incident, Amtrak reassured passengers that normal service would resume the following day. The company’s proactive approach to managing the situation, including providing alternative transportation, highlights its commitment to customer service during unexpected events. Passengers traveling on other trains operating that evening were advised that the rest of Amtrak’s services were running as scheduled.

Train 22 operates daily, and Amtrak’s ability to quickly resolve the issue and maintain service continuity reflects the company’s preparedness for handling operational disruptions. This event also underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place for such situations, especially during busy travel periods.

Conclusion: Addressing the Impact and Looking Ahead

Amtrak’s handling of the disruption to Train 22 was a testament to the company’s commitment to ensuring passenger comfort and safety, even in the face of unexpected mechanical challenges. While the incident caused inconvenience for some travelers, the quick response ensured that the situation was resolved without injury.

As Amtrak continues to investigate the cause of the mechanical failure, the company remains focused on maintaining a reliable and safe service for its passengers. With the busy holiday season approaching, Amtrak’s emphasis on restoring normal operations is crucial to meeting the high demand for train travel across the United States.

In the coming weeks, passengers can expect continued reliability from Amtrak’s services, with the assurance that the company will take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.