The video will start in 8 Cancel

Click to play Tap to play

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An Amtrak train came off the tracks just outside of Columbia in South Carolina.

It collided with a CSX freight train around 2.35am local time (7.35am).

The lead engine derailed along with some passenger cars, Amtrak confirmed.

There were eight crew members and around 139 passengers onboard.

(Image: PH)

(Image: 11 ALIVE)

The overnight "Silver Service" was travelling between New York and Miami with dozens of local stops on the way.

Local hospitals have taken in 70 patients, with injuries ranging from small scratches to broken bones.

Some victims were rushed to the Palmetto Health level one trauma centre.

Emergency services have been pictured at the scene as they respond to the incident.

Red Cross volunteers are also at the site and Pine Ridge Drive road has been shut.

(Image: PH)

A Lexington Sheriff spokesman earlier said: “Train collision and derailment near Charleston Highway and Pine Ridge rd.”

Twitter user jdspires shared a video of the incident and wrote: “This is bad. Really bad. So many ambulances.”

CSX said in a statement: “An emergency response plan has been activated to provide full support.

“Lexington County authorities have been notified and are responding to the incident.

“Additional information will be made available as details of the incident are confirmed.”

The US has been struck by a series of train accidents over the past two months.

Just last week, a train carrying a number of US congressmen crashed into a rubbish truck and killed one person in Virginia.

In December, three people died after a train derailed off a bridge and plunged onto a highway in Washington.

Anyone with enquiries about casualties should call the Amtrak information line on 800-523-9101.