WASHINGTON — The Red Cross has set up a reception center for victims of the Amtrak derailment and their families in Amtrak’s 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
Anthony Tornetta, of the Red Cross, says psychologists are on duty to provide care for people traumatized by the crash and/or hospital treatment.
“We’re trying to emphasize that they’re not alone,” he tells WTOP’s Kristi King.
“We’re here for them.”
He adds that “you can see it in the people’s eyes” when they walk into the station, they know that they’re supposed to head to the station, but they’re glad to see help there.
“People see the Red Cross, and they think hope; they think peace.”
He adds that, if victims are going on by bus to New York, “we have people standing by there” as well.
He says that by the time he reported for duty Tuesday night, he didn’t have to call volunteers — 30 or 40 of them were dressed in Red Cross gear and ready to go.
“I was very proud to be a Philadelphia citizen last night.”
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.
