Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Resumes Excursion Trips

The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad resumed its excursion train trips Thursday, a week after two trains collided near West Fork, Arkansas injuring 44 people.

KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith reports the news comes a day after federal safety investigators said they were wrapping up their preliminary investigation into the collision.

The day-long passenger train trips were suspended following the crash.

As a result of the crash, two locomotives are being repaired. One needs parts which cannot be purchased anymore. Because of that, the people repairing the locomotive are having to make their own parts, according to Ron Sparks with the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.

Railroad officials say the damage to the train cars was minimal, and three different departments in the company examined the passenger cars to make sure they were safe for further excursion trips.

10/16/2014 Related Story: Dozens Injured When Locomotive Collides With Passenger Train Near Fayetteville

The excursion train departed Springdale for Van Buren just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday and will return later in the morning.

Ron Sparks said a total of 110 people were scheduled to take Thursday's trip.

He says a track inspector in a rail truck will ride a couple miles ahead of the excursion train to act as a scout and make sure no leaves or other obstructions are on the track that could cause issues with the trip.

While the company resumed its excursion trips, National Transportation Safety Board officials are still working on their preliminary investigation report. NTSB spokesperson Eric Weiss says they expect to release that report within the next seven to 10 days.