- Passenger train carrying 139 passengers smashes into a freight train near Cayce
- Amtrak service, which was travelling between New York and Miami, flew off line
- Officials said more than 50 people had been transported to hospital after crash
Two people have died and dozens more are seriously injured after a passenger train smashed into freight carriages in South Carolina, USA.
Officials said more than 50 people had been transported to hospital after the Amtrak service flew off the line.
The crash occurred at about 2.30am when the Amtrak service, travelling between New York and Miami, collided with the freight train.
The train company said that 139 passengers and eight members of crew were on board at the time and emergency services were currently treating the injured.
Two people have died and dozens more are seriously injured after a passenger train smashed into freight carriages in South Carolina, USA
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division wrote on twitter: ‘Confirmed two fatalities, more than 50 injured transported to the hospital.
‘Shelter for passengers open at Pine Ridge Middle School.’
A statement from Amtrak added: ‘Train 91, operating between New York and Miami came in contact with a CSX freight train at around 2.35am in Cayce, South Carolina.
‘The lead engine derailed, as well as some passenger cars.’
A spokesperson for Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, told ABC News that 25 patients had arrived with minor injuries.
Passengers were also rushed to Palmetto Health Center.
More to follow.
The crash occurred at about 2.30am when the Amtrak service, travelling between New York and Miami, collided with the freight train