3 confirmed fatalities at crash site. (4 p.m. update)
UPDATE 4:50pm ET, 1:50pm PT: Some stats of the derailment according to Washington State Patrol, Update to train derailment in DuPont Washington
· 77 passengers on train
· 5 crew members on train
· 12 rail cars and 2 engines as part of train. 13 cars jumped tracks.
· Multiple fatalities but no confirmation on number of casualties
· 5 motor vehicles on freeway and 2 semi-trucks hit by train below.
UPDATE 3:49pm ET 12:49pm PT: Washington State Patrol tweets, reports 12 train cars and 2 engines involved in #I5MountsTrain crash.13 cars derailed. 5 motor vehicles and two semis hit on freeway below.
UPDATE 3:15pm, 12:15pm: Statement from Washington Department Of Transportation regarding the Amtrak train derailment, Today’s (Monday, Dec. 18) tragic derailment of the Amtrak Cascades southbound train has significantly impacted the lives of many this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this event and their families.
We are working closely with multiple partners, including Washington State Patrol, Sound Transit, Amtrak, Pierce County, JBLM and local emergency responders to assess the situation and render assistance. After emergency response is complete, and the National Transportation Safety Board has released the scene, the train will be removed from the interstate right of way. We anticipate this will be a lengthy process due to the severity of the incident and the size and weight of the train cars. WSDOT is working with other agencies on any rerouting of traffic during the investigation.
The Amtrak Cascades train service is jointly owned by the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Amtrak operates the service for the two states as a contractor, and is responsible for day to day operations. Amtrak Cascades runs trains from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon.
The tracks, known as the Point Defiance Bypass, are owned by Sound Transit. The tracks were previously owned by BNSF and were used for occasional freight and military transport. WSDOT received federal grants to improve the tracks for passenger rail service. As owners of the corridor Sound Transit managed the track upgrade work under an agreement with WSDOT. Funding for the upgrades was provided by the Federal Railroad Administration, which reviewed work throughout the duration of the contract.
Today was the first day of public use of the tracks, after weeks of inspection and testing.
UPDATE 1:48pm ET, 10:48am PT, The Governor of Washington has declared a state of emergency relating to the Amtrak 501 response.
UPDATE 12:47pm ET, 9:47am PT: According to NTSB, NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate the Amtrak passenger train derailment in the State of Washington. Team will depart DC today. Additional information to follow when available.
UPDATE 12:41pm ET, 9:41am PT: Latest from Amtrak, Amtrak Cascades services impacted
9:30 a.m. PT
Amtrak Cascades Train 501, operating from Seattle and Portland, derailed south of Tacoma, Wash. There were approximately 78 passengers and five crew members on board. 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.
Service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate. Amtrak Cascades Trains 504 and 509 are cancelled. No alternate transportation will be available.
Additional updates will be provided when available.
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.
UPDATE 12pm EST, According to Pierce County Sheriff's, Several cars on I5 struck by derailed Amtrak train cars. Multiple motorists injured on roadway, no fatalities of motorists reported.
BREAKING NEWS: Pierce County, Washington - We are learning a major train derailment has occurred in Pierce County, Washington on Monday, December 18th, 2017.
According to Washington State Patrol, WSP on scene of train derailment across SB i-5 at Mounts Rd.
According Pierce County Sheriff's Office, PRELIMINARY INFO - Derailed Amtrak passenger train was heading south bound. Injuries and casualties reported, numbers to come. #PCSD PIO Troyer enroute, will not answer his cell while driving priority.
We will have more as information becomes available.
Following are photographs from Washington State Patrol Officer Brooke Bova
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