At least six people have died and many more were injured when an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia last night:
Rescue workers on Wednesday searched through twisted metal and debris after an Amtrak train [en route to New York from Washington, DC] derailed in Philadelphia, while investigators sought the cause of the accident that killed at least six people and injured scores of others.This morning, a team from the National Transportation Safety Board was scheduled to arrive and begin an investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have said that terrorism is not suspected.
Authorities said they did not know why the New York City-bound train carrying 243 people derailed at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday (0130 GMT Wednesday), sending all seven cars and the engine off the track. One car was tossed upside down and three on their sides, and passengers and luggage were sent flying, survivors said.
Philadelphia-area hospitals and health systems reported treating about 135 people. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said authorities had not yet accounted for everyone aboard the train.
..."It's an absolute disastrous mess," Nutter said. "I've never seen anything like this in my life."
Please consider this an open (but image-free) thread for discussion and updates on the crash.
I desperately hope that there are no more casualties. My condolences to those who lost family, friends, or colleagues, and I hope that everyone who survived has access to the care they need to recover.