Amtrak Northeast Regional Train Derails in Philadelphia, Killing at Least 7 Passengers, Injuring Dozens

At least sevev people were killed and dozens were wounded after an Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 from Washington DC to New York derailed last night just north of Philadelphia.

There were approximately 238 passengers and 5 crew members on board, an Amtrak spokesman said. More than 200 people were injured in the crash.

The train derailed at Frankford Junction around 9:30 p.m., officials said.  The train had at least seven cars, including the engine, which separated from the rest of the train. Six cars overturned, and a steel utility pole struck one of the cars. The 188 was going double the speed it was supposed to in that area, according to information retrieved from the black box on the train.

The names of the passengers have not been released yet. Amtrak issued a statement early this morning saying the railroad company is  deeply saddened by the loss of life from Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188.

Amtrak representatives said people with questions about their friends and family on this train should call the Amtrak Incident Hotline 800-523-9101. Amtrak has established a family assistance center to work closely with family and friends of individuals on the train.

On Wednesday, May 13, modified Amtrak service will be provided between Washington and Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and New York and Boston. There will be no Amtrak service between New York and Philadelphia. New Jersey Transit will honor Amtrak tickets between New York City and Trenton. Officials anticipate that services between New York and Philadelphia will be suspended for the rest of the week.

Other Amtrak Service between New York and Albany-Rensselaer; New Haven and Springfield, Mass., and other points will operate.

The Northeast Regional Train 188 makes stops at New Carrollton, Maryland, the Baltimore Airport, Baltimore, Aberdeen, Wilmington, Philadelphia Trenton, Metropark, Newark International Airport, Newark, and New York.

 

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