Metro-North Train Derails Killing 4, Injuring Scores

By Thalif Deen Reprint | | Print |

NEW YORK, Dec 2 2013 (IPS) - A Metro North passenger train heading towards Grand Central Station ran off the tracks Sunday killing four and injuring more than 60. 

Described as one of the major train derailments this year, the accident took place around 7:20 a.m. as the speeding train approached a dangerous curve and jumped off the rail tracks.

In a city constantly on alert about possible terrorist attacks, the derailment was not attributed to any acts of terrorism.

A statement from the White House said President Barack Obama was briefed about the accident and would continue to stay in touch with New York officials throughout the day.

“Three of the four fatalities were thrown as the train came off the track and was twisting and turning somewhat,” Edward Kilduff, chief of the FDNY told reporters.

“The train is pretty beat up. There was substantial damage inside and a lot of personal possessions thrown around. We believe we’ve searched the entire area and we don’t have any other victims we’re aware of.”

The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, was one of the first officials to visit the scene of the disaster.

“Four people lost their lives today, in the holiday season just after Thanksgiving, and they’re in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

“This is obviously a very tragic situation. The first order of business is to care for the people who were on the train. We are trying to save lives. New York is blessed with the best first responders I think anywhere in the country.

He said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was on its way to investigate the accident. “We’ll wait to see what the NTSB says before speculating as to any causes.”