NEW YORK - An express train was going faster than 100 mph just prior to hurling off the tracks in Philadelphia Tuesday night, killing at least seven and injuring more than 200, according to authorities.
They said said the information came from the ‘black box’ of the train, which was on way from Washington to New York City. The so-called ‘black box’ was found Wednesday as officials begin the tedious job of combing through the twisted metal and debris of the Amtrak Regional train, which derailed at about 9:20 p.m. Tocal time Tuesday.
Six cars and the train’s engine abruptly snapped off the tracks near Wheatsheaf Lane in Frankford ascending riders and luggage flying. Passengers were forced to climb out of the windows of the overturned cars, some of which were ‘destroyed completed.’ More than 200 people were hospitalized. ‘I’ve never seen anything so devastating,’ Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Jesse Wilson said. ‘They’re in pretty bad shape. You can see that they’re completely, completely derailed from the track.’
Heavy machinery, including cranes, were being used to clear debris Wednesday, shortly after the National Transportation Safety Board officials arrived to begin their investigation. Seven NTSB members were at the scene Wednesday morning, and more were expected later in the day. They will be looking at the track itself, the train signals, the mechanical condition of the train and human performance.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said Wednesday the train’s ‘black box,’ was recovered from the crash scene and was sent to the Amtrak Operation Center in Delaware for analysis.
NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt said the event recorder should also reveal key information including if the brakes or throttle were applied, and if horns or bells were triggered. Sumwalt also said a forward-facing camera at the front of the locomotive also should provide more clues.