Amtrak #1 (later #59), the City of New Orleans[nb 1] departed Chicago's Central Station at 8:00 AM CT on June 10, 1971.

A set of four leased Illinois Central EMD E-units of various models pulled the train: E8A #4031 (leading), E9Bs #4109 and #4106, and E10A (a rebuilt E8A) #2024 (formerly #4032).

The E8 developed 2,250 horsepower (1,680 kW) from two 12 cylinder model 567B engines, each driving a generator to power the two traction motors on one truck.

Inspection of the tracks between Tonti and Effingham, Illinois, revealed markings where the wheels had slid instead of spun.

Further investigation revealed that the truck's traction motor had seized prior to the accident, and that the wheels had probably locked at Effingham during a station stop.

[7] While #4031 was repaired in Chicago, the Illinois Central maintenance forces did not observe that the reverser was locked and did not realize that power was not being supplied to the rear truck.

The NTSB also recommended that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) draft safety standards to address the ejection of passengers through windows in the event of accidents.