Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput expressed his sadness following the derailment of an Amtrak train in the city, that left 7 dead and hundreds wounded.
The accident occurred on Tuesday in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond section. Investigators yesterday say the train was traveling at 106 miles per hour, over twice the speed limit. The train’s engineer pulled the emergency brakes several seconds before the train derailed off the tracks.
In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archbishop Chaput said he was saddened and concerned following news of the accident.
«In the wake of this disaster, I urge all people of good will to join me in extending prayerful condolences to those mourning the sudden loss of a loved one and in asking the Lord to bring healing to all those suffering physical and emotional anguish in the wake of this incident,» he said.
The American prelate concluded his message, calling on the faithful to pray also for the first responders, as well as emergency and medical personnel who aiding victims.
Investigators are still looking into whether speed was the only factor that caused the derailment.
