WASHINGTON – Several cars from an Amtrak train plunged onto Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Washington, after it derailed on a railway bridge on Monday, killing at least three passengers, according to the Washington state Department of Transportation.
All southbound lanes of the interstate are closed due to the derailment in Pierce County, the U.S. authorities said.
Mounts Road and I 5 pic.twitter.com/svsT9v8O4H
— Rod Barnes (@rodbrns) December 18, 2017
BREAKING VIDEO: Injuries & casualties reported at Amtrak derailment, Today was first day of service for this route from Seattle to Portland https://t.co/icnGKdNPXJ pic.twitter.com/Mztl5ErpTh
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 18, 2017
“We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501,” Amtrak said in a tweet. “We will update with additional details as they become available.
We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501. We will update with additional details as they become available.
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) December 18, 2017
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that “injuries and casualties” have been reported, stating that exact numbers will be revealed soon. Seventy-seven people have been transported to area hospitals after the derailment.
Amtrak train 501 was part of a service that launched Monday morning, according to CBS News.
FWIW: typical @Amtrak Cascades train seats ~250 people, normally has 13 train cars: 1 baggage car; 9 seating; one bistro/cafe; one lounge; one service car that provides on-board electricity for the train. #komonews
— Scott Malone (@ScottMalone91) December 18, 2017
It was not immediately clear whether the derailment, which came during a busy travel time one week before the Christmas holiday, was connected to the new route between the cities of Tacoma and Olympia.
