Two people are reported to be dead in an Amtrak train derailment in Chester, PA.
The Palmetto service was bound from New York to Savannah, GA. Reports indicate the train hit the crew of a backhoe working in the area just before 8 a.m. on Sunday.
The crew of the backhoe maintenance crews were the victims.
Amtrak issued the following:
“All Amtrak service is suspended between Wilmington, Del., and Philadelphia. This morning, Amtrak Train 89, operating from New York City to Savannah, Ga., struck a backhoe that was on the tracks and partially derailed the lead engine south of Philadelphia. There were approximately 341 passengers and seven crew members on board. Initial reports are that approximately 31 passengers are being transported to area hospitals, none with life-threatening injuries.”
Amtrak later announced it was offering limited service between Wilmington and Philadelphia. and New York and Harrisburg has not been affected.
Amtrak is working with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the cause of the incident. Individuals with questions about their friends and family on Train 89 should call the Amtrak Emergency Hotline at 800-523-9101.
Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train’s status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.
Last year, cars on an Amtrak train in Philadelphia derailed causing several deaths.
Reports had indicated that train was traveling at high speeds when the derailment occurred.
