Amtrak's Mardi Gras Train Involved in Another Fatal Crash

(KMDL-FM) One of the reasons why the return of Amtrak passenger rail service was delayed along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Gulf Coast was concerns about safety. Amtrak trains travel faster than freight trains, and anyone trying to snake around the crossing arms might realize that after it is too late.

On Thursday morning, just before noon, just such an incident occurred along the Amtrak Mardi Gras route near Theodore, Alabama. Authorities, commenting on evidence from the scene, believe that a vehicle carrying two passengers attempted to bypass the crossing gates at the Bellingrath Road, Peary Road level crossing.

According to the published Amtrak schedule, the Mardi Gras service we enroute to Mobile, Alabama, from New Orleans when the crash happened.

How Many Fatal Crashes Has Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service Been Involved In?

Before yesterday's fatal crash in Alabama, the Mardi Gras Amtrak service had been involved in six to seven total deaths. The reason for the discrepancy in the number is that one of the fatal incidents involved a pedestrian, and circumstances surrounding that incident have not been clarified.

Amtrak began its Mardi Gras service along the Gulf Coast a little over 1 year ago. The service began operating on August 18, 2025. The line has proven to be very popular, with more than 150,000 riders in the first year. This number was well above forecast ridership numbers.

Many municipal governments, as well as the Southern Rail Commission, have created public safety campaigns to remind motorists and pedestrians of the dangers associated with fast-moving trains. As is usually the case, most of the incidents occur when motorists attempt to "beat the train" or "sneak around the barricades". It's just not worth it. If there is a crash, the train is going to win.

What Happens to Train Passengers When There is a Fatal Crash?

If you happen to be a passenger on a train involved in a fatal incident or any incident for that matter, you can kiss your travel timetable goodbye. The train will have to remain on site until investigators finish gathering information.

Train passengers are often told there was a "trespass incident" that is being investigated. According to official Amtrak lingo, that means an unauthorized person or object is on or near the railway tracks where they are not legally allowed to be.

The identities of the two people killed in yesterday's crash have not been released. We encourage you to always stop, look, and listen at all railroad crossings, and if the crossing arms are down, do not drive around.