Amtrak crash in Washington state brings back tragic memories of Philly derailment

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Amtrak trains cruised on by Monday night in Port Richmond right where Amtrak 188 derailed two and half years ago, killing 8 and injuring over 150.

"It brings back a lot of memories sure it does, very sad moment," Anna Mardas told FOX 29.

Mardas says the crash remains fresh in her mind. She works right up the block at Angelo's Pizza House. When she heard about the Amtrak crash in Washington state bad memories came rushing back.

"It was truly surreal. That is the best word," Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Sullivan said Monday.

Deputy Sullivan remembers the twisted rail cars, the darkness and chaos the night of the Amtrak 188 crash. He was in command of the first responding police officers.

"There are people calling for help. There are people that you must take a chance and get in and rescue," he recalled.

Deputy Sullivan says he can relate to the scene 20 miles outside Tacoma. The train here was traveling over 100 mph, the train on the west coast over 80 mph. Both were mass casualty events.

"It looks like a movie scene initially. You can't imagine you'll see train cars in that position," Deputy Sullivan explained.

Anna Mardas also remembers how the community pitched in to help victims, just like many did in Washington state Monday.

"There is humanity out there. People do help one another," Mardas said.

Officials say just like the crash here in Philadelphia, the train in Washington state was not using positive train control technology.

Deputy Sullivan says there were a lot of lessons learned in the Amtrak 188 crash. He praised the efforts of first responders Monday and sent condolences and well wishes to the victims and their families.

Us News