Two people are dead and almost 90 others injured after an Amtrak passenger train collided with a freight train early Sunday near Columbia, S.C., according to multiple reports.
Amtrak said in a statement that a train traveling between New York and Miami, Train 91, “came in contact” with a CSX freight train in Cayce, S.C.
“The lead engine derailed, as well as some passenger cars. There were 8 crew members and approximately 139 passengers, with injuries reported,” Amtrak said.
{mosads}ABC News reported that two deaths occurred in the Amtrak train, citing Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it sent a team to investigate the crash.
Hazmat crews also responded to the scene after 5,000 gallons of fuel spilled in the crash, NBC News reported, although officials said there was no threat to the public.
“People who have questions about passengers on the train can contact us at 800-523-9101,” Amtrak said.
A White House spokeswoman said President Trump has been briefed on the crash and is receiving regular updates.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident,“ Lindsay Walters said in a statement.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims involved in this mornings train collision in South Carolina,” the president later tweeted. “Thank you to our incredible First Responders for the work they’ve done!”
Last Wednesday, a chartered Amtrak train carrying congressional Republicans to a retreat in West Virginia struck a truck on a crossing. A person in the truck was killed and several members of Congress suffered minor injuries.
In December, three people were killed when a speeding Amtrak train derailed while traveling across a highway overpass south of Seattle.
— This breaking news report was updated at 12:27 p.m.