Posted on 04/03/2016 7:18:45 AM PDT by PghBaldy
PHILADELPHIA - An accident involving an Amtrak train near Philadelphia has led to the temporary shutting down of the Northeast Corridor service between New York and the accident site for Amtrak, one of the nation's busiest stretch of train tracks.
In a statement, Amtrak said the Palmetto 89 train "operating from New York City to Savannah, Ga., struck a backhoe that was on the tracks and derailed the lead engine south of Philadelphia."
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Prayers up.
http://blog.amtrak.com/2016/04/update-palmetto-train-89/
Update Palmetto train 89
Sunday, April 03 9:58 a.m.
All Amtrak service is suspended between New York City and Philadelphia. This morning, Amtrak Train 89, operating from New York City to Savannah, Ga., struck a backhoe that was on the tracks and derailed the lead engine south of Philadelphia.
There were approximately 341 passengers and seven crew members on board. Initial reports are that some passengers are being treated for injuries. Local emergency responders are on the scene and an investigation is ongoing.
Persons with questions about their friends and family aboard this train have a special number to call for information: 800-523-9101.
Oh, dear.
My son and I just took an Amtrak trip for the first time, loved it.
I guess there are risks no matter what transportation you use.
I take the Northeast corridor between NJ and Philly frequently. Amazing how little Amtrak learns from its mistakes. To wit, they leave an entire car empty because, according to the conductors, Amtrak does not want to pay for the extra staff to cover the car. As a result the trains are crowded and people are walking around for ten to fifteen minutes after departure from a station trying to find a seat. That is safety for you!! It’s bad enough the trains have no seat belts, imagine the fatalities if the train hits the brakes suddenly or worse, de-rails, if passengers are walking the aisles looking for seats. Meanwhile, you got it, an entire car empty.
Saw the pics, not a backhoe. Some sort of Amtrak repair equipment was on the tracks and the two dead were Amtrak employees in that equipment.
Someone screwed up, track maintenance is carefully coordinated.
Thanks for posting. Condolences to family and friends of those killed.
My last rail experience wasn’t on Amtrak (it was the NJ Transit), but I had the dim bulb conductress take my ticket, walk away with it, then she came back and accused me of not having a ticket.
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