iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — As investigators work to determine the cause of the Tuesday night Amtrak crash in Philadelphia, responsible for at least six deaths, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden acknowledged the tragedy as one that affects more than just the passengers.
Obama spoke by phone Wednesday with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, the White House confirms.
Obama said Wednesday in a statement: “Along with Americans across our country, Michelle and I were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the derailment aboard Amtrak Train 188. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those we lost last night, and to the many passengers who today begin their long road to recovery.”
The president noted that the Amtrak Northeast Corridor route “is a way of life for many,” and that this tragedy is one that “touches us all.”
Biden expressed Wednesday that he and his wife Jill also were “deeply saddened” by the news of the crash.
“The victims could have been any one of our parents, children, or someone from one of our communities,” the vice president said in a written statement. “Amtrak is like a second family to me, as it is for so many other passengers. For my entire career, I’ve made the trip from Wilmington to Washington and back. I’ve come to know the conductors, engineers, and other regulars — men and women riding home to kiss their kids goodnight— as we passed the flickering lights of each neighborhood along the way.”
“Our thoughts are with every person who is grieving right now from this terrible tragedy. As a nation, we pray for the victims and their families,” Biden said.
The president and vice president both thanked the many first responders and passengers who aided in rescue efforts Tuesday night.
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