Train Derails In New York: Four Killed

Four people have been killed and 63 injured in a train crash north of New York city.

A seven-carriage passenger Metro-North train travelling from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central derailed at 7.20am on Sunday, stopping just feet from the mouth of the Harlem River where it flows into the Hudson.

Three of the four people killed in the accident were found outside the train, which left the track 100 yards north of Spuyten Duyvil station in the Bronx.

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) said 135 firefighters were at the scene, with 11 of those injured said to be in a critical condition and another six in a serious condition.

The Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) said five of the carriages on the diesel train had derailed on a curved section of track, but none entered the adjacent Hudson or Harlem rivers.

Spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said the accident occurred in a slow speed area. She added the train black box would reveal how fast the train was travelling.

The crash was reported by an engineer, but it was unclear if any of the train crew were injured.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said four people had been killed and 63 injured. Among the injured was the train operator. There were between 100 and 150 passengers on board.

He added that authorities believe everyone at the site has been accounted for and that the National Transportation Safety Board was on the way to carry out an investigation.

Witnesses had reported the train appeared to be going too fast as it reached the bend.

Witness Edwin Valero was in an apartment building above the scene when the train derailed.

He said at least one carriage stopped just feet from the edge of the water. Initial reports had suggested some of the carriages may have been submerged.

Footage of the crash scene showed divers in the water after some passengers were thrown clear of the train.

Eyewitness Rebecca Schwartz told Sky News: "I was walking in the park across the water from the train station, and I saw multiple-cars derailed, at least one very close to if not in the water, and many, many emergency vehicles pouring onto the scene."

Joel Zaritsky woke up as his carriage rolled off the track.

He said: "I was asleep and I woke up when the car started rolling several times. Then I saw the gravel coming at me, and I heard people screaming.

"There was smoke everywhere and debris. People were thrown to the other side of the train."

He added that passengers were taken off the train, with dozens bloodied and scratched and holding ice packs to their heads.

A statement from Metro-North said: "Rescuers are ascertaining the extent of injuries, and we will update information throughout the day."

President Barack Obama said his thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the victims of the fatal train derailment.