Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
An Amtrak train came to a complete stop Sunday after the train lost power in Boulogne.
According to Amtrak Senior Public Relations Manager Beth Toll, at 10:30 a.m. Amtrak Train 41 was traveling from Chicago to Miami with 264 passengers on board. The train became disabled due to a mechanical problem with the engine, stopping near the County Road 121 and Yellow Rose Lane intersection in Boulogne.
Nassau County Fire Rescue stations 30, 40, 50, 60, and 90 were assigned to the incident. It was led by NCFR Battalion Chief Kelly Gunnel, who coordinated resources, which included Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses.
“This type of event is not something you would see frequently on the western side of Nassau County – a large-scale event with several potential patients,” NCFR Chief Brady Rigdon said. “Once NCFR was made aware of the situation, Chief Gunnell and her team coordinated resources and did a great job of providing for the needs of the passengers, including water, fans, and ultimately the buses used to cool them. Chief Gunnell and NCFR handled this situation with care and professionalism, and what was certainly an uncomfortable situation had an outcome that was an overall success.”
Others who responded to the emergency include the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Emergency Management, and mutual aid partners from Georgia.
According to Rigdon, patient treatment was provided on scene and four people were transported to the hospital for evaluation, all in stable condition.
During the delay, Amtrak staff provided passengers with updates, ice, water, snacks, and other food. At approximately 3:45 p.m., passengers were transported to the Jacksonville Amtrak Station via JTA buses. Amtrak is providing full refunds and future travel vouchers to those on board.