According to an FRA Spokesperson:

 “The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is aware of the Amtrak derailment that occurred this afternoon near Halifax, N.C..  We have a team of investigators en route to the scene. Once the scene is cleared of emergency response personnel, the FRA will begin conducting a thorough investigation to determine the probable cause of how and why this highway-rail grade crossing was fouled. Recent accidents like this one are stark reminders of our shared challenge to both educate the public about grade crossing safety, and to enforce appropriate behavior around railroad operations.”