Passengers Endure 'Smelly, Disgusting' Conditions on Stranded Amtrak Train Near Battle Creek

Travelers aboard an Amtrak train en route from Chicago to Dearborn faced a harrowing ordeal when mechanical issues brought their journey to an unexpected halt near Battle Creek.

 

Passengers reported being confined for over four hours in increasingly unbearable conditions.

 

Diandria Bell, a Westland resident returning from a baseball game in Chicago, recounted the experience.

 

"We were trapped on the train for more than four hours with no electricity, no working restrooms, and no air conditioning," Bell said.

 

She noted that the train had already experienced a brief delay departing Chicago due to mechanical problems.

 

Shortly after passing Battle Creek, the train came to a complete stop.

 

Amtrak confirmed that Train 352 encountered a mechanical issue near the Battle Creek station around 7:15 p.m.

 

After unsuccessful troubleshooting, substitute buses were secured and arrived around 11:45 p.m. to transport passengers to their destinations.

 

However, Bell expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation.

 

"Most people aren't going to want to take Amtrak again," she stated.

 

"In my opinion, I think everyone should get a refund for the grueling experience that we went through."

 

She also highlighted the lack of communication from Amtrak following the incident.

 

When the buses finally arrived, passengers were instructed to disembark and walk approximately half a mile to board them.

 

This posed a significant challenge for elderly passengers and those with mobility issues.

 

Local law enforcement, including Emmett Charter Township Police and Calhoun County Sheriff's Office deputies, assisted by transporting around 40 passengers who were unable to make the walk.

 

For many, this experience has left a lasting impression.

 

Bell, reflecting on the ordeal, mentioned she hasn't received any further communication from Amtrak since the incident.

 

As passengers continue to share their stories, the incident underscores the importance of effective communication and contingency planning in public transportation.

 

Travelers hope that lessons learned from this event will lead to improved protocols and better passenger experiences in the future.