An Amtrak train heading to South Florida broke down in extreme heat, leaving passengers stranded for hours and sending four people to the hospital with heat-related illnesses. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Jacksonville’s Amtrak station, a regular stop on the Floridian’s route from Chicago to Miami.
Jacksonville’s Amtrak station, a regular stop on the Floridian’s route from Chicago to Miami.

The Floridian 41 lost engine power around 10:30 a.m. Sunday near Hilliard, Nassau County. The train was traveling from Chicago to Miami with more than 200 passengers onboard.

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High temperatures inside the powerless railcars quickly escalated, making conditions unbearable. Reports from passengers estimated interior heat levels reaching 120°F, prompting emergency calls.

Nassau County Fire Rescue responded swiftly, treating 16 passengers on-site. Four people — including two children — were taken to hospitals and later confirmed to be in stable condition.

Amtrak Responds to Emergency Heat Incident

Amtrak arranged emergency buses by 3:45 p.m. to continue transporting passengers south. Meanwhile, first responders provided water and ice to help travelers endure the five-hour delay.

Boy and girl scouts returning from a North Carolina trip were among the stranded. Emergency services from Georgia also joined the response, highlighting strong interstate coordination.

Amtrak Offers Refunds After Florida Train Failure

Officials from the Town of Hilliard praised the rescue effort, noting cooperation from fire, police, and emergency teams. Social media videos showed emergency crews stationed near the tracks.

In response, Amtrak confirmed full refunds and future travel vouchers for all affected passengers. The company pledged to investigate the mechanical failure and improve incident response protocols.

This breakdown on a long-haul Amtrak route raises concerns over extreme weather preparedness and onboard climate safety during power outages. Further reviews are expected in the coming weeks.

Source: www.yahoo.com

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