/ 19 April 2004

Train collision injures 130 in New York

An empty Amtrak train ploughed into the back of a commuter-laden train near New York’s Penn Station on Monday, leaving 130 people with minor injuries, fire department officials said.

The collision occurred just after 7am local time as the packed commuter train, run by the Long Island Railroad, was waiting to enter the station.

”We are treating 130 civilians for minor injuries,” said fire department spokesperson David Billig. ”There are no reports of any serious injuries … it’s mostly just bumps and bruises.”

The Long Island Railroad said an investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said more than 40 ambulances and 200 firefighters were sent to the scene to help evacuate and treat passengers. — Sapa-AFP