An Amtrak passenger train with hundreds of passengers on board derailed in northern Florida Thursday afternoon, killing at least five, authorities said.
National Transportation Safety Board officials and Florida officials confirmed that five people were dead and that no motor vehicles were involved in the derailment. Twenty critical patients were being taken to the Putnam County Medical Center.
The northbound Auto-Train, Amtrak train #52, was en route from Sanford, Fla., to Lorton, Va., when it apparently overturned approximately 30 miles south of the Volusia County line near Crescent City.
Amtrak said the train left Sanford at 4:30 pm ET and derailed at 5:08 pm. Authorities refuse to speculate on the cause of the derailment.
Amtrak told Putnam police that approximately 425 people were aboard.
Officials were unsure how many people might be injured. At one point, 75 passengers were trapped. As of early Thursday night, Florida Highway Patrol officials said 65 passengers were still aboard the train.
Putnam County police said 13 of the 40 passenger cars of the train derailed. Rail cars could be seen lying on their sides as anxious fire rescue crews and volunteers were lifting the injured out of the windows.
Some passengers were seen walking away from the train. Still, rescue units and trauma helicopters from several counties have been called to the scene and Amtrak says it has mobilized many of its employees to help with rescue efforts.
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush sent his thoughts and prayers to those injured in the mishap and pledged to provide as much assistance as possible to local officials and derailment victims.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in today's tragic Amtrak train derailment in Putnam County south of Crescent City," Gov. Bush said in a statement. "In response to this accident, our state Emergency Operations Center has helped to coordinate the response of firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers and public information officials from state agencies and neighboring counties."
Train Favored By Families
The Putnam County Medical Center - the only hospital in the county - has been placed on its highest state of alert, and officials there say they are preparing for hundreds of patients. Emergency room doctors from neighboring counties are on the way to assist with the injured. A triage center has been set up at Crescent City High School.
Auto-Trains like Amtrak train #52 carry automobiles and passengers between Sanford and Lorton, Va. and are favored by families traveling between Florida theme parks and beaches and Washington landmarks.The train had two engines, 16 passenger cars and 23 auto racks. The tracks are owned, operated and maintained by CSX Corporation. Crescent City is 61 miles north of Orlando.
Amtrak said people who were concerned that a relative might have been on board could call (800) 523-9101.
(China Daily April 19, 2002)
