Chaos in deadly US train crash

AT least five people have been killed and dozens injured in a train derailment in the US city of Philadelphia.

Emergency workers said six of the injured were in a critical condition and 53 others were less critically hurt, amid chaotic scenes after at least seven train cars, including the engine car, were crushed, turned on their side or left upside down.

“It is an absolute disastrous mess. I have never seen anything like this in my life and most personnel will say that, as well,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said.

Nutter said the casualty and injury estimates were only preliminary, hinting at the potential for a higher toll.

Hundreds of emergency workers were involved in a large-scale operation to help victims of the derailment of Amtrak Train 188, which had been travelling from Washington DC to New York City with 238 passengers and five crew.

Hydraulic tools had to be used to remove passengers from some of the most badly damaged train cars.

At least one train car appeared crushed and turned on its side.

A large metal beam was rammed into another car, though it was unclear whether it had fallen onto the car or the car had crashed into it.

Part of the train was twisted into an L-shape.

The train had so much force at the time of the crash that it bent the sturdy rail tracks in at least one area.

Former US Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania was on the train, which he said seemed to be going about 100 to 110km/h when it suddenly derailed and rolled.

Passengers had to kick out a window to exit.

“Im OK. Helping others. Pray for those injured,” he tweeted.

Some of the injured, many with bloodied hands and faces, were unable to move, Murphy said.