An Amtrak train derailment occurred just outside of Tacoma, Washington on Monday morning, blocking southbound lanes of Interstate 5 and injuring an unknown number of passengers. The Washington State Department of Transportation released a photo of the incident on Twitter at 7:45am Pacific Standard Time.
The picture above shows the damage, displaying what seems to be a passenger car on its side, obstructing the roadway and causing major traffic holdups.
Emergency responders are currently addressing the situation. Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department “We have fatalities and casualties,” reports local news source KOMO. “This is a regional mass casualty response.”
“Amtrak is aware of an incident with Train 501, Cascades service from Seattle to Portland. Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported,” an Amtrak representative told The Drive. “Amtrak service south of Seattle is temporarily suspended. Service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate,” he said.
According to the Washington DOT, over 60,000 cars use this section of I-5 daily.
UPDATE—12:32 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME 12/18/17:
Amtrak has released an update on the situation with an estimated number of onboard passengers and crew members:
“There were approximately 78 passengers and 5 crew members on board,” a company representative told The Drive. “Initial reports are that some injuries are reported to passengers and crew, and taken to local medical facilities for treatment. Individuals with questions about their friends and family on this train should call 800-523-9101. Local emergency responders are on the scene.”
Check back for updates on this story as it develops.