Two dead, more than 100 hurt in South Carolina train crash

Two Amtrak employees were killed and more than 100 other people were injured early Sunday when a passenger train carrying 147 people hit a freight train in the US state of South Carolina, authorities said.

Amtrak train 91 -- traveling from New York to Miami -- derailed in Cayce, outside the state capital Columbia, after colliding with a CSX freight train at around 2:30 am (0730 GMT).

It was the third deadly incident involving an Amtrak train since December, raising questions about the safety of the national railway service.

Amtrak said in a statement that the lead engine derailed along with some passenger cars. Eight crew members and 139 passengers were on board.

A total of 116 people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, many with minor injuries, Governor Henry McMaster told reporters. US media reported injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to broken bones.

McMaster identified the dead as Amtrak personnel and said the freight train, which was stationary, appeared to have been empty.

"It appears the Amtrak train was on the wrong track," the governor said, while cautioning that a full investigation was needed to determine the exact cause.

"We need a conversation around the country" about rail safety, he added, after visiting passengers at a shelter set up in a school by the local Red Cross.

"As you and your loved ones gather at church and other houses of worship today, we ask that you pray for those affected and the families of those who have passed away," he said on Twitter.

'Nobody was panicking'

US President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for the weekend, was briefed and was receiving updates, a White House spokeswoman said.

The president tweeted that his "thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims involved in this mornings train collision in South Carolina."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it was investigating the incident. CSX said its personnel were on site to assist law enforcement.

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department confirmed all passengers had been evacuated.

Officials added that although 5,000 gallons of fuel spilled following the crash, the leak was contained and there was no danger to the public.

(AFP)