Sen. Carper On Train Prior To Derailment In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) was aboard the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train before it derailed in Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood Tuesday night.

VIEW: Train Derailment Complete Coverage

Amtrak says Northeast Regional Train 188, operating from Washington to New York, left Union Station in Washington, D.C. around 7 p.m., and was supposed to arrive at Penn Station at 10:34 p.m. Tuesday. They say there were about 238 passengers and five crew members on board.

Sen. Carper got off the train in Wilmington, Delaware, according to his office.

READ: Former Congressman Patrick Murphy On Board Derailed Train; Shares Photos From Inside Wreckage

Sen. Carper tweeted this message at 10:30 p.m.:

He also released the following statement:

"I am grateful to be home safe and sound in Wilmington, and my heart goes out to all those on the train tonight. I hope all of those that are injured recover quickly, and I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers."

Officials say several people are dead and dozens of others were taken to the hospital following the derailment.