At least three fatalities have been reported.
An Amtrak train carrying approximately 78 passengers and five crew members has derailed 64km outside Seattle, Washington state.
The incident took place at 7.40am Pacific Time, when the train derailed while crossing a bridge over an interstate, which resulted in two carriages crashing into the freeway below.
Local outlet KIRO 7 News has reported at least three fatalities, while CBS News reports that a total of 77 patients are currently being treated for injuries, with four classed as critical.
It is believed that no motorists driving on the freeway were killed.
The train was travelling at 80 mph between Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon when it came off the tracks on a bridge over Interstate 5, located on the outskirts of DuPont.
First up close images of scene coming from @wspd1pio Trooper Bova, this is heartbreaking to see. Our thoughts & prayers to everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/ws460sjWRo
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
In an updated statement on the incident, Amtrak posted on its official Twitter,
“Initial reports are that some injuries are reported to passengers and crew, and taken to local medical facilities for treatment.”
Latest update regarding train 501: https://t.co/sn4sruYLbY pic.twitter.com/3Gt3fQXV99
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) December 18, 2017
All SB lanes of I-5 blocked near Mounts Road in Pierce County due to derailed train car. Avoid area! pic.twitter.com/SBH7dCc6yg
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) December 18, 2017
More photos from scene of Amtrak train derailment pic.twitter.com/yWEJejp1H2
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
This is an ongoing story. More updates to follow.
