Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train, 188 traveling from Washington, D.C., to New York City, derailed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, with multiple injuries being reported. NBC 10 reports that at least 50 people aboard the train were injured, but that number has not been confirmed by Amtrak , or officials on the scene.
According to WCAU, officials on the scene are reporting that eight to ten cars have rolled over after the train derailed near Frankford Avenue and Wheatsheaf Lane. Approximately 240 people were on board the train at the time of the accident. NBC reports that injuries vary, with some passengers leaving the scene with minor injuries, and others loaded onto stretchers by first responders.
pic.twitter.com/GvooK8lq58
— Patrick J. Murphy (@PatrickMurphyPA) May 13, 2015
Passengers aboard the train began tweeting photos and updates about the derailed Amtrak train shortly before 9:30 p.m. ET. Passenger Janelle Richards, an Associate Producer for NBC Nightly News , tweeted that smoke filled the train right after a loud crash.
Amtrak train derailed. Loud crash. Smoke filled the train. People that were able to walk to an exit tried to get door open and climb off. — Janelle Richards (@Janelle_News) May 13, 2015
Passenger Michael Black tells NBC that he tried to brace himself when the train started rolling over on its side.
“All of a sudden it felt like the brakes were hit hard and then our car. We were third from the last, just slowly started going over to the side. I tried to just brace my arm against it and then just got off.”
Taking the Hill anchor Patrick J. Murphy tweeted that he was on the train and asked for prayers for those injured.
Im on @Amtrak train that just crashed. Im ok. Helping others. Pray for those injured. — Patrick J. Murphy (@PatrickMurphyPA) May 13, 2015
Amtrak officials issued a brief statement on Twitter, confirming that the Northeast Regional train derailed north of Philadelphia.
We are aware of the derailment of Northeast Regional train 188 north of Philadelphia and will provide updates as they become available.
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) May 13, 2015
It is unknown at this time how many passengers have been injured, and to what extent. Constant updates on Twitter show bloodied passengers being treated by first responders, and severely damaged Amtrak train cars.
Aerial pictures show terrible Amtrak crash site in Philly pic.twitter.com/Eu9CW01niC
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) May 13, 2015
Was just on #Amtrak train that crashed pic.twitter.com/NSGh1ZfW1o
— Beth Davidz (@bethdavidz) May 13, 2015
NBC Nightly News staffer @Janelle_News was on the Amtrak train. She describes screaming and bloodied passengers. pic.twitter.com/KQrc8iTCMD — Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) May 13, 2015
Medics tending to people on stretchers. pic.twitter.com/1W3pF0ycrQ
— Vinny Vella (@Vellastrations) May 13, 2015
[Image: CBS News 8/Twitter ]
