An Amtrak train derailed while crossing a highway bridge near Tacoma, Wash., early Monday morning, and at least two train cars crashed down onto rush hour traffic on Interstate 5.
Amtrak and the Washington State Department of Transportation both confirmed Train 501 crashed onto the southbound side of I-5 in Pierce County. “Multiple fatalities” have been reported, Pierce County police spokesperson Ed Troyer told NBC News.
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
“Amtrak Cascades Train 501, operating from Seattle and Portland, derailed south of Tacoma, Wash. There were approximately 78 passengers and five crew members on board,” Amtrak said in a statement Monday afternoon EST. “Initial reports are that some injuries are reported to passengers and crew, and taken to local medical facilities for treatment.”
Developing: Amtrak train derails near Seattle onto the I-5 freeway https://t.co/XfF79Hxdfj pic.twitter.com/DCjgYtjPBp
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 18, 2017
Deaths reported after an Amtrak train derails south of Seattle https://t.co/0ghYRLfTzf pic.twitter.com/VK1JH3pCQV
— Bullish Market (@Bullish) December 18, 2017
Soon after that message, Amtrak posted a statement saying emergency services are on the scene, and that all service south of Seattle has been suspended. Service from Seattle to points north was still in effect.
“Amtrak regrets any inconvenience,” Amtrak said in a statement. “This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.”
Amtrak has not shared the cause of the accident. The southbound lanes have been shut down.
DEVELOPING: Amtrak train derails onto Interstate 5 in Washington state https://t.co/dZOridEMVO pic.twitter.com/TNddjFW2oN— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 18, 2017
