5 killed in Philadelphia train derailment – mayor

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WASHINGTON DC, USA (2nd UPDATE) At least 5 people were killed and dozens were injured after a train derailed and overturned near Philadelphia late Tuesday, May 12 (Wednesday, May 13 in Manila), Mayor Michael Nutter said.

Firefighters said 6 of the injured were in critical condition. “It is an absolute disastrous mess. I have never seen anything like this in my life and most personnel will say that, as well,” Nutter told reporters after 10 train cars overturned.

The Philadelphia Fire Department said the Washington to New York northbound train derailed. NBC television reported that many were injured.

It was a regional train, according to an NBC television producer who was a passenger. Train 188 was scheduled to leave Washington at 7:10 pm local time (2310 GMT) and arrive in New York at 10:34 pm.

There are no seatbelts on Amtrak trains.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering information about the derailment.

Former US Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania was on the train.

“Im ok. Helping others. Pray for those injured,” he tweeted.

Murphy, who was on board the cafe car, said the train seemed to be going 60-70 miles (97-113 kilometers) per hour when it suddenly derailed and rolled.

Some of the injured – many with bloodied hands and faces – were unable to move, Murphy said. – Rappler.com