An Amtrak passenger train derailed when crossing over Interstate 5 in Washington State. Multiple fatalities and injuries have been reported in DuPont after at least seven cars derailed, some landing onto the busy highway below.
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 Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) December 18, 2017
According to a CBS News report, Amtrak train 501, which departed early this morning from Tacoma was part of a new service launching today. It had only 75 passengers on board despite its capacity of up to 250 people.
#BREAKING: An up-close photo of the trail derailment near Lacey. Sheriff’s office confirms fatalities, people trapped. 70 people were on board, according to WSDOT.
Real-time updates: https://t.co/V1JMGude8h pic.twitter.com/jxYP2eKLqZ
— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) December 18, 2017
There is already speculation regarding the speed of the train, the condition of the rails and the recent threats by terrorist groups to target America’s mass transportation.
