BREAKING: Amtrak train hits another train in Pine Ridge

Pine Ridge, SC (Paul Kirby) – An Amtrak train is believed to have hit another train in Pine Ridge, SC. The accident occurred about 2:30 am Sunday. It happened near the intersection of Pine Ridge Dr. and Hwy 321 south of Charleston Hwy.

Currently, rescuers are on scene from across the Midlands. Many patients have been transported to nearby hospitals. Their injuries range from critical to just cold. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office is also on the scene.

Right now, there are buses there from several counties and they have notified school districts and the recreation commission to transport the uninjured to a shelter at a nearby school. The ones that have been transported to hospitals have traveled by EMS buses, ambulances, and by other means. There was a medical helicopter that landed at the SC State Farmer’s Market, but it is not known if they have transported anyone.

We have been told that there were more than 140 people on the train at the time of the collision. First arriving firefighters had to walk toward the front of the train to find the most critically injured. They were met by a number of what they described as walking wounded who were on foot moving toward the rear of the train. One car is damaged to the point that they cannot get into it right now.

We will update this story as we learn more regarding the status of the incident.