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An Amtrak train crashed with a CSX freight train in Cayce, South Carolina early Sunday morning, in what is believed to be the second crash to have happened over the past week.
At least two people have been reported killed, among dozens of others that have been killed. Amtrak confirmed eight crew members and 139 passengers were on board.
The train was moving from New York to Miami at the time of the crash. Since the crash, all the passengers have been removed.
According to Time, Deputy White House Press Secretary Lindsay Walters released the following statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident.”
What happened?
According to MSNBC, Erin Wittman, a passenger on the train, gave the following first-hand account of the crash:
“We just awoke to violent shaking; I just knew immediately we were off the tracks and I couldn’t believe it was actually happening.”
The crash also caused nearly 5,000 gallons of fuel to spill; authorities are working to contain the spill.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said in a statement that the Amtrak train appeared to be on the wrong track, with the CSX being on the correct lane, but declined to directly confirm that was the case, leaving the investigation to experts.
What do we know about the casualties?
The coroner’s office confirmed that two people were killed and both appeared to be Amtrak personnel. According to a statement from the governor, 116 people involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals. Those who were not injured were taken off the train and transported to a local school, where they received aid from Red Cross workers. Alternative forms of transportation have been provided for them.
With 147 people on the Amtrak train, local authorities confirmed that nobody was on the CSX train.