Memphis, TN (February 25, 2026) – Three people were injured when an Amtrak train and a freight train collided late Sunday morning in Memphis. The incident happened near West Shelby Drive and Sewanee Road at about 11:41 a.m.
Reports indicate that Amtrak Train 59, traveling from Chicago to New Orleans, was stopped in Memphis at the time. A CN freight train traveling at a slow speed came into contact with the passenger train. Emergency units responded to the scene, and an officer was seen blocking traffic in the area.
Amtrak officials reported three injuries among those on board. No additional details about the third reported injury were immediately available. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We send our best wishes to those injured as they receive medical care.
How Do Low-Speed Train Collisions Still Lead to Passenger Injuries?
Train collisions do not have to occur at high speeds to cause injuries. Even a slow-moving freight train can generate significant force due to its weight. When railcars make contact, passengers inside may be jolted or thrown from their seats.
Stopped passenger trains can be especially vulnerable because riders may be standing or moving about the cabin. Sudden impact can cause falls or other injuries, even if structural damage appears limited.
Rail yards and shared tracks require careful coordination between freight and passenger operations. Communication systems and signaling equipment are designed to prevent these types of incidents, but disruptions can still occur under certain conditions.
