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Two Dead After Amtrak Train Crash Near Philadelphia

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    • Two people died and more than 30 were injured after an Amtrak train traveling from New York to Savannah, Georgia, hit track equipment which caused the lead engine of the train to derail, according to an Amtrak statement.

    An Amtrak train which derailed on April 3 in Chester, Penn., around 25 miles south of Philadelphia. Pic: Joanne Stocker

    The accident happened just before 8 a.m. on Sunday near Booth Street, Chester, around 25 miles south of Philadelphia.

    “Two people were killed, but neither was a passenger on the train,” Chester fire commissioner Travis Thomas said.

    Thomas did not release any additional information about the fatalities.

    An Amtrak train which derailed on April 3 in Chester, Penn., and a piece of track machinery, seen from SEPTA Highland Ave outbound platform. Pic: Joanne Stocker

    The NTSB said on Twitter that a team of investigators are heading to the scene.

    A statement on the Amtrak website said:

    “This morning, Amtrak Train 89, operating from New York 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 7 crew members on board. Initial reports are that approximately 31 passengers are being transported to area hospitals, none with life-threatening injuries. Local emergency responders are on the scene and an investigation is ongoing.

    “Northeast Corridor service between Wilmington and Philadelphia is suspended until early this afternoon. Keystone Service between New York and Harrisburg is not affected.

    “Individuals with questions about their friends and family on Train 89 should call Amtrak’s Emergency Hotline at 800.523.9101.”

    Service on the Northeast Corridor between New York and Philadelphia is now operating after being suspended earlier this morning. Service between Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia remains suspended.

    In May last year, eight people were killed and more than 200 injured when an Amtrak train carrying 243 people from Washington D.C. to New York, derailed in Philadelphia.

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