DOT probing five major airlines for price gouging after Amtrak crash

Fallout from the May 12th derailment of an Amtrak train in Philadelphia continues as the U.S. government launches an investigation into possible price gouging after the incident.

According to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, his department recently sent letters to major domestic airlines Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and United, inquiring about their pricing and practices immediately following the derailment.

The action was prompted by Connecticut Senator Christopher Murphy who cited constituents' complaints and a $2,309 flight from New York to D.C. as "possible market distortions at play."

Secretary Foxx has pledged a rigorous investigation, saying, "The idea that any business would seek to take advantage of stranded rail passengers in the wake of such a tragic event is unacceptable."

In response to the letters, spokespeople with JetBlue and Southwest have stated that they are cooperating fully, and a representative for American has asserted the airline's innocence.

Delta took the strongest stance, listing the measures it took to help travelers after the crash, including lowering its Shuttle fares, increasing capacity, and honoring Amtrak reservations.

See photos from the aftermath of the crash: