Officials funnel info through Twitter after Amtrak derailment [Updated]
Although longer statements were saved for traditional press events and media statements, the platform was an important channel for real-time information and updates.
This story was updated on December 20 at 11:00 AM CST.
Amid a disaster, many eyes turn to Twitter.
Thursday was no exception after a tragic train derailment in Washington state sent officials scrambling to update the public about casualties and the cause of the deadly crash. On the platform, blood centers solicited donations, and public figures offered condolences or hawked their political agendas.
On its inaugural run, an Amtrak train jumped the tracks south of Tacoma, Wash., killing at least three people and injuring others. The train was going 80 mph in a zone intended for 30 mph, according to the National Transportation Safety Bureau.
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