(The Associated Press circulated the following on August 18, 2009.)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Amtrak officials are trying to determine what caused one of its passenger trains to break down in upstate New York, forcing passengers to spend a couple of hours in cars without air conditioning.
The westbound train broke down around 9 p.m. Monday night in Lyons, about midway between Syracuse and Rochester. The train had no power, and passengers say they had to endure hot, sticky conditions inside the cars, with odors from the restrooms adding to their discomfort.
Temperatures Monday night were near 80 with high humidity.
Passengers say the Amtrak crew handed out bottled water and ice during the delay.
A CSX freight locomotive later towed the disabled train the 32 miles to Rochester, where some passengers boarded buses to complete their trip to Niagara Falls.