Obama: Amtrak derailment 'a tragedy that touches us all'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- President Barack Obama says the derailment of Amtrak Train 188 "is a tragedy that touches us all."

In a statement, Obama said he is offering prayers to the families who lost loved ones and the passengers beginning to recover.

The president says he and the first lady were "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of the derailment.

The Northeast Regional carrying 238 passengers and five crew members derailed in Philadelphia shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday. The accident has closed the nation's busiest rail corridor as investigators try to determine what happened.

Obama says, "Along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak is a way of life for many."

He is commending first responders for their tireless efforts to save lives. He says the effort to help passengers reaffirmed Philadelphia's spirit of brotherly love.