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An Amtrak train dramatically derailed over Interstate I-5 near Tacoma, Washington on December 18, 2017, killing at least three people and sending 100 to the hospital.
Inward-facing cameras were added “after Amtrak #188 [crashed], because one of the big unanswered questions from that crash was what was happening inside of the train cabin?” @krisvancleave reports t.co/2CyKkppdRE
The Associated Press reported higher casualty figures than the Washington State Police have confirmed, but it was using an anonymous source. At least six people have died, according to the AP. Dramatic video circulated on social media of the derailment in Washington State. You can watch it here:
Here’s another video from the scene.
A KIRO 97.3 FM news anchor, Colleen O’Brien, tweeted that Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer has confirmed fatalities, major injuries, people being transferred to the hospital and people “still trapped on the train.” He said the derailment’s cause was not yet known. NBC is reporting that speed is being investigated to see if it was a factor in the crash, but the AP has reported that authorities are looking into a possibility that the train struck an object.
According to the State of Washington Department of Transportation, “The derailment happened on Interstate 5 near Mounts Road in Pierce County, Washington.” Although some reporters said the derailed train was being treated as a possible mass casualty event, it was not yet clear whether anyone had died. However, the images that emerged from the scene showed the crumpled train lying over the busy Interstate, where it caused a major traffic jam. The cause of the derailment is not yet clear.
#BREAKING: New photos show @Amtrak derailment near Lacey. [Photos: Maria Fullenwider-Hetland]
Real-time updates: t.co/V1JMGude8h
According to KIRO7, some injuries were reported and an airlift was on the way to the scene. All lanes of the busy I-5 freeway were blocked, according to the Seattle television station. “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,” the television station reported.
Images from scene show Amtrak train derailment near Tacoma, Washington
The train operated at high speeds. “High speed Amtrak train hanging over I-5 at Mounts road. First responders are treating this as a mass casualty incident, but no official word on injuries yet,” KIRO-7 reported.
NTSB did a report a month or so ago, which demonstrated that “they believe Amtrak has a safety culture problem,” Former NTSB Chair Rosenker says t.co/2CyKkppdRE
According to the Seattle Times, the train, known as the 501, was in its inaugural run, and fell off a bridge between Lakewood and Olympia, Washington. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department released what it described as “heartbreaking” close-up photos of the train derailment.
First up close images of scene coming from @wspd1pio Trooper Bova, this is heartbreaking to see. Our thoughts & prayers to everyone involved.
Here’s another horrific image from the scene.
New photo from train derailment scene t.co/OERJqEE1qU #amtrak #dupont
Amtrak released a statement at 8:15 a.m. PT that read: “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. Amtrak service south of Seattle is temporarily suspended. Service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate. Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.