Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

Six people died—and dozens of others injured—after an Amtrak train en route to New York City from Washington, D.C. derailed in Philadelphia last night at about 9:30 p.m. “It is an absolute disastrous mess,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said. “I have never seen anything like this in my life.”

As crews continue to search the wreckage for unaccounted for passengers—there were 243 people on board in total, including crew members—President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the incident.

“Along with Americans across our country, Michelle and I were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the derailment aboard Amtrak Train 188,” Obama said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those we lost last night, and to the many passengers who today begin their long road to recovery. Along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak is a way of life for many. From Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to New York City and Boston, this is a tragedy that touches us all. As we work to determine exactly what happened, I commend the fire, police and medical personnel working tirelessly and professionally to save lives. Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love—a city of neighborhoods and neighbors—and that spirit of loving-kindness was reaffirmed last night, as hundreds of first responders and passengers lent a hand to their fellow human beings in need.”

Vice President Joe Biden also released a statement, saying that “for my entire career, I’ve made the trip from Wilmington to Washington and back. I’ve come to know the conductors, engineers, and other regulars—men and women riding home to kiss their kids goodnight—as we passed the flickering lights of each neighborhood along the way.”