US: Amtrak train derails in Vermont, 7 injured

Amtrak Vermont — Emergency workers moves cones near the scene of an Amtrak train derailment on October 5, 2015 in Northfield, Vermont. Darren McCollester/Getty Images

Several people have been injured after an Amtrak train travelling from St Albans to Washington DC derailed in central Vermont on Monday (5 October). Authorities said at least seven people were taken to hospital, with one person airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

Amtrak issued a statement saying that there were no immediate reports of any life-threatening injuries to the 98 passengers and four crew members. The company confirmed on Twitter that the Vermonter train had derailed and emergency services were at the scene.

We are aware of the derailment of train 55 in VT. Emergency personnel are on the scene & we are assessing the situation. Updates to follow.
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) October 5, 2015

There are no immediate reports of life-threatening injuries following the derailment of Train 55 near Roxbury, VT. http://t.co/DaPq3Oe0nw
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) October 5, 2015

At a news conference on Monday afternoon, officials said the cause of the derailment appeared to be a rock slide. "This was a freak of nature", Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin told reporters.

Twitter user Brian Bell posted photos of the crash site, writing that his parents had bene on board.

"Wow.. Parents were just in a train accident in the NE.. They are safe but others injured," he wrote.

Wow.. Parents were just in a train accident in the NE.. They are safe but others injured. pic.twitter.com/xYEMXNJhjY
— Brian bell (@BrianABell1980) October 5, 2015