Amtrak engineer on derailed train graduated from MU

ABC 17 News has confirmed that the engineer driving the derailed Amtrak train survived and is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Brandon Bostian graduated from MU in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

Bostian was one of five Amtrak engineers on board the NYC-bound train when it derailed Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Officials say the engineer driving the train will play a key role in the investigation.

Investigators said Bostian spoke with them Tuesday night. He was treated at a hospital, then released and transported to the Philadelphia Police Department.

According to police, he declined to provide a formal statement to police and requested a lawyer, which he now has.

Bostian was reportedly meeting with federal accident investigators Wednesday afternoon.

The National Transportation Safety Board said their preliminary investigation revealed the train was traveling at more than 100 miles per hour.

There is a 50 mph limit at the curve where the train derailed.

According to the Philadelphia mayor, seven people died in the crash and more than 200 people were taken to hospitals for treatment.