An Amtrak train derailed on a bridge over a highway in Pierce County on Monday south of Seattle, Wash., prompting an an emergency response, with one report saying there are “some fatalities.”
Earlier, the sheriff’s office said “injuries and casualties” were being reported, but that no numbers were available. It also said that while several vehicles were struck by the derailed train cars, it’s not believed motorists were killed.
The Pierce County Sheriff later told a CNN reporter “there were some fatalities” resulting from the derailment. At least one rail car reportedly ended up on the highway.
Amtrak confirmed its train was involved but did not provide further information.
We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501. We will update with additional details as they become available.
—
@Amtrak
“We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501,” the rail operator said on Twitter. “We will update with additional details as they become available.”
In a statement, Amtrak said Train 501 offering service from Seattle to Portland, Ore., had derailed.
“Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported,” Amtrak said.
The train derailed about 64 kilometres south of Seattle before 7:40 a.m. PT, spilling at least one train car onto busy Interstate 5.
There were about 70 people on the train.
All southbound lanes of the highway were closed south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and motorists were being warned to avoid the area.
An Amtrak train derailed on a bridge over a highway in Pierce County, Wash., on Monday south of Seattle, Wash. (Pierce County Sheriff’s Department)
The Thurston County Sheriff’s office described the event as “a massive incident on the Mounts Rd. overpass on 15.”
Please be advised of a massive incident involving a train derailing on the Mounts Rd overpass on I5. The train is currently blocking I5. Please avoid this area and Nisqually Valley. Be patient with traffic and emergency vehicles in the area. WSP is investigating this incident. pic.twitter.com/lFrXPQDSA1
The state’s Department of Transportation said the derailment occurred the first day of the rerouting of trains between the cities of Tacoma and Olympia.
PRELIMINARY INFO – Derailed Amtrak passenger train was heading south bound. Injuries and casualties reported, numbers to come. Media staging area at Eagles Pride Golf Course. #PCSD PIO Troyer enroute, will not answer his cell while driving priority.
Train service south of Seattle has been temporarily suspended, Amtrak said.
Chris Karnes was on the train, three or four cars back from the front.
“I’m not sure what got hit. I’m not sure what happened,” said Karnes, who was unhurt.
Medical tents were set up in a median area, just south of DuPont.
“The only car that is on the tracks is the rear locomotive. There are several cars that are hanging over the overpass,” Karnes said.
