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18th Dec 2017

Fatalities reported as Amtrak train derails in Washington

Michael Lanigan

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.

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.”

This is an ongoing story. More updates to follow.