An Amtrak train on its way to New York from Washington, D.C. derailed in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia on the evening of May 12th, killing 6 and injuring dozens of others.
The train was transporting 238 passengers and 5 crew members after it left 30th Street Station at about 9:20pm Tuesday night. Minutes later, the train derailed, separating the engine and toppling over train cars, hurling passengers from their seats inside.
Philadelphia Mayor, Michael Nutter, told reporters that a tally of first responders included upwards of 200 police officers, 122 Fire Department and EMT personnel, and officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police, SEPTA, and Amtrak. Area hospitals, including Aria Health – Frankford and Temple University Hospital, have treated roughly 200 injured passengers.
Representatives from The National Transportation Safety Board have made there way to the site to begin an investigation into what caused the deadly derailment. The train’s black box (also known as an event recorder) has been recovered and will be analyzed by officials at Amtrak’s operation center in Delaware.
Mayor Nutter reported that an investigation is ongoing and will take time but did not offer a specific timeline. He did say that it is unlikely that train service from Philadelphia to New York will resume this week.
There are still passengers that are unaccounted for and the biggest fear is that their bodies will be found among the devastating wreckage.
At a press conference today, Philadelphia Director of Emergency Management, Sam Phillips, urged crash survivors to call Amtrak’s assistance line at 1-800-523-9101 to report that they are alive and well. Phillips also offered use of the assistance line to anyone who is currently looking for a friend of relative who was on the train. A Friends and Relatives Center has been opened at 3400 Frankford Avenue for anyone in need of assistance. The location of that center is temporary and a permanent location will be set up in Center City. More details on that location are forthcoming.
New Jersey and Philadlephia Personal Injury Attorneys
Philadelphia personal injury attorneys and staff of Messa & Associates express our deepest condolences to all those suffering loss after this great tragedy. We urge all who might be searching for family or friends to contact Amtrak’s 1-800 assistance line for help with locating their loved ones. If you believe you are in need of legal assistance for any reason, please to do not hesitate to contact the personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates by calling 1-877-MessaLaw or submitting an online inquiry.
