1st lawsuit filed over Amtrak train crash

RENO - An Amtrak train attendant has filed the first lawsuit over a crash that injured her and killed at least six people last week.

The suit, filed by Alexandra Curtis of Evanston, Ill. on Tuesday in Washoe County District Court, alleges negligence on the part of truck driver Lawrence R. Valli and his employer, John Davis Trucking Co.

Valli is accused of ignoring railroad crossing gates and warning signals, and plowing into an Amtrak train Friday 70 miles east of Reno, killing himself and at least five people on the train.

Company owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Curtis' lawyers also filed an emergency motion for a protective order in the case to preserve potential evidence.

She's seeking in excess of $10,000 for general damages.