Amtrak train derails south of Seattle near Tacoma. Photo courtesy Twitter/NBC.
Authorities say at least three people have died and numerous others injured following a train derailment south of Seattle.
An Amtrak train went off the tracks while crossing a bridge over Interstate-5 near Dupont on its inaugural run to Portland, Oregon.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency.
The crash happened around 7:40 a.m. and sent cars plummeting off the bridge.
The train consisted of 12 cars and two locomotives, and all but one locomotive left the tracks
The falling train cars hit five cars and two semi-trucks on the busy highway and a number of motorists were injured.
Authorities now say there were 80 people on board the train with seven crew members.
72 were evaluated and transported to hospital with 10 in serious condition, one of them had to be airlifted to another hospital for treatment.
Amtrak tweeted the crash involved train 501.
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
LATEST: https://t.co/rs92i38VUt
• Amtrak train derailment near Tacoma, Washington
• "Multiple injuries and fatalities" reported, per sheriff
• Several vehicles on I-5 struck by derailed train cars, injuring multiple motorists pic.twitter.com/kHIuQj7uqJ— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 18, 2017
It is not known what caused the derailment and the investigation is now in the hands of the National Transportation Safety Board.
With files from NBC, CBC and The Canadian Press.
Andy Neal
