There are still no answers as to why a New York City-bound Amtrak train derailed north of Philadelphia on Tuesday night, killing at least five people and injuring over 140 others. In the midst of chaos and devastation, rescue workers and everyday people alike showed how brave and heroic people are when the absolute worst occurs.
I have never been in a train crash, so I can’t even begin to imagine how terrifying and horrible the aftermath of the Amtrak Regional 188 was last night. My heart goes out to all the people who lost loved ones, the passengers who were injured on the train and those who were trapped in cars that were toppled over and torn apart. Probably the most devastating fact of the crash is that officials fear the death toll could rise.
I think the only thing that gives anyone comfort in times of such sad, devastating news is that when the absolute worst happened, people looked out for one another and helped wherever they could.
Former congressman Patrick Murphy praised firefighters and rescue workers who arrived on the scene within minutes:
https://twitter.com/PatrickMurphyPA/status/598368414747471872
The Red Cross was also there to help in any way they could:
.@RedCrossPhilly volunteers coordinating assistance and support services following #Amtrak188 derailment pic.twitter.com/R7KesD71b6
— Red Cross Philadelphia (@RedCrossPhilly) May 13, 2015
A video that user Yameen Allworld posted to Instagram showed passengers trying to help each other off the train:
https://instagram.com/p/2mpeqNgMeW/
From CNN.com: “My son went back and got everybody off our one car,” Elfman said. “There was a very small opening in the door, and we were able to get out.” Her son told KYW that his first priority was getting his mother off the train. Then he went to help strangers. “Luckily I’m still here, I’m still walking,” Max Elfman said. “So I figured I would do my best to help because I saw everyone — I could see the blood on people’s faces. They can’t move. … So I just tried to do my best to help people get out of that car.”
All you have to do is turn on the news or check social media to see images of people helping people, first responders rescuing those trapped and the uninjured offering help and support to those who were hurt after the crash. As terrible and sad as this news is, we can find hope and comfort knowing that there were good people performing acts of kindness and bravery in the midst of so much chaos.
To donate to the American Red Cross, please click here.
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