Investigators probe Connecticut train crash

Federal investigators gathered Saturday at the site of the Connecticut train crash that left dozens of commuters injured Friday evening.

Eight people remained hospitalized, three in critical condition, officials said. As many as 70 people were injured in the crash.

The collision disrupted travel north of New York City, prompting state and local officials to urge passengers to make alternate transportation plans.

Amtrak suspended all rail travel indefinitely between New York and New Haven, Conn. The agency said an update on the status of the shutdown would come Sunday evening. The Metro-North railroad line suspended local train service indefinitely between its South Norwalk and New Haven stations.

The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday. A Metro-North train coming from New York City derailed and hit a passenger train heading in the other direction, officials said.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the Fairfield, Conn., station early Saturday morning to inspect the site. Board member Earl Weener told the Associated Press it was too early to guess at the cause of the crash.

The on-scene investigation could take more than a week. After that, the clean-up and repair process can begin.

“Normal service through this area is not expected to resume until a full investigation is complete, the infrastructure is fully assessed, and repairs are made,” the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees transit services in New York City and the surrounding region, said in a statement on its website.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch told CNN that the two tracks affected by the derailment could take weeks to repair. The tracks are the area’s only train route in and out of New York City due to a bridge replacement project.

“This is our pipeline to New York City, and it’s going to be shut down for some time,” Finch said.

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