Hotline #791-A - September 22, 1993

Amtrak this morning suffered its worst ever accident, in terms of fatalities. As of 10:10 am, the Associated Press was confirming at least 26 dead after train 2, the eastbound Sunset Limited, derailed on CSX tracks on a foggy bayou at 3:00 am, 10 miles east of the station at Mobile, Ala. One Superliner car was totally submerged in the swamp water. Coast Guard helicopters and boats assisted in the rescue attempt, which is still continuing at this moment. The cause of the derailment, which occurred on a bridge, is still not known. Amtrak has set up a toll-free number for inquiries for passengers on board the train -- 800/523-9101. This message will be updated.

Depending on a decision from the Rules Committee on debate procedure, the House may take up H.R.2750, the 1994 DOT appropriations bill, later today. We understand Representative Swift will engage Representative Carr in a floor colloquy, to urge him to do better for Amtrak during conference committee meetings.

If the House does act today, we expect the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee to act no earlier than September 28 -- so keep those letters and cards coming to your Senators.

The Amtrak board is meeting right now.

A summary of last week's news may be added to this message later, as time permits, as the situation in Alabama stabilizes.