Amtrak train hits vehicle in upstate New York, killing three people

Three people were killed after a northbound Amtrak train struck a vehicle in western New York on Friday evening, according to multiple reports.

The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. in North Towanda in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area, fire officials said in a news release Saturday morning. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they discovered three people were trapped in the vehicle and all needed to be extricated.

Officials requested three ambulances, another truck “for additional rescue equipment” and “all available off-duty manpower.”

First responders began “resuscitation efforts,” but were unsuccessful. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The emergency services remained on site for almost two hours. Following the incident, peer counseling and mental health resources were offered to all first responders on scene.

The identities of the victims have yet to be revealed by authorities.

The train had left New York City and was headed to Niagara Falls, local television station WGRZ reported. No injuries to passengers or crew members were reported.

Amtrak did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday morning.

The incident is being investigated by the North Tonawanda Police Department, fire officials said.