Amtrak

NJ Transit, Good Samaritans Help Amtrak Passengers Get To Work

NJ Transit and concerned citizens came to the aid of commuters unable to travel to and from work after an Amtrak train jumped the tracks resulting in multiple fatalities in Philadelphia Tuesday night. The train was traveling in excess of 100 mph before it derailed, the NTSB said. 

Travelers found themselves scrambling after Amtrak suspended service as a result of Train 188 derailing in Port Richmond just after 9 p.m. SEPTA regional rail service on the Trenton line was also suspended.

"It's been a disruption for us but obviously such a tragedy for so many," said Haverford resident Laurie Cooke, who traveled by car to Trenton so she could get a train there to attend a New York City health care conference. 

Eight people were killed and more than 200 were injured. A Naval Academy Midshipman and Associated Press video software architect are among the deceased, authorities said. A Philadelphia CEO and mother of a 2-year-old remained missing Wednesday morning. 

NJ Transit began honoring Amtrak customer tickets and passes from Trenton to New York City on Wednesday. 

Good Samaritans came to the aid of the stranded passengers and those trying to get to work. Chris Krings, 16, and his dad returning home from a trip to Wal-Mart were among the first responders to offer help at the scene. A woman from Media, Pa. took to Twitter offering rides to Trenton to help commuters get to work. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf called the wreck a "terrible accident" as authorities work to figure out what happened. 

Family and friends of passengers may call the Amtrak hotline at 800-523-9101 for more information.  

[NATL] Dramatic Images: Amtrak Train Derails in Philadelphia

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