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Passengers Describe Scary Moments When DIA Train Malfunctioned

DENVER (CBS4)- Passengers on board a train underneath Denver International Airport describe a violent jolt followed by people who were thrown to the floor when the train malfunctioned on Saturday.

"It was more than a jolt. It was serious. People got hurt," said passenger Bryan Miller.

DIA spokesman Heath Montgomery said the train was carrying about 45 passengers when the accident happened about 2 a.m. Saturday.

DIA Denver International Airport Underground Trains
(credit: CBS)

Miller was on the train from Concourse A to the main terminal when it went into a turn and suddenly sped up. He said passengers flew from one side of the train to the other, some were thrown to the floor.

"A lot of people were screaming and gasping," said Miller.

One passenger slammed against a stroller and snapped the leg of the stroller with Miller's young son inside.

Miller took his family to the emergency room where they had their bruises and bumps checked out. Three others were rushed to the hospital.

"I didn't enjoy that one bit. You know, we were coming back from Disneyland so that was one ride that we didn't want to do," said Miller.

DIA told CBS4 there was a problem in the sensor software that caused the train's violent acceleration. Engineers were able to identify and repair the malfunction. The four train cars involved were taken out of service for evaluation.

Miller is grateful that his son wasn't seriously injured but said next time they plan to walk to their concourse.

"It was just scary," said Miller. "I don't want to ride the tram anymore. Who knows when that's going to happen."

The company responsible for the operation and maintenance of the train, Bombardier, sent a team of specialists to dig deeper into what happened.

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