WASHINGTON – An Amtrak passenger train, carrying about 70 people, derailed Monday onto Interstate-5 south of Tacoma, Washington, killing at least six people, according to the Washington state Department of Transportation.
Several cars from an Amtrak train plunged onto Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Washington, after it derailed on a railway bridge.
Photos from scene of amtrak passenger train derailment pic.twitter.com/gd09MzLCC6
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
All southbound lanes of the interstate are closed due to the derailment in Pierce County, the US authorities said.
Mounts Road and I 5 pic.twitter.com/svsT9v8O4H
— Rod Barnes (@rodbrns) 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.
