19 Dec 2017 | 02:56 AM UTC
United States: Three people reported dead in DuPont train accident /update 2
Local police officials report at least three people dead and over 100 people injured after a train derailment in DuPont (Washington) December 18; significant traffic disruptions ongoing
Event
Police officials confirmed that the derailment of an Amtrak train in DuPont, Washington, on Monday, December 18, caused at least three fatalities and over 100 injuries. Amtrak said that approximately 78 passengers and five crew members were onboard the train at the time of the incident. All southbound lanes on Interstate 5 at Mounts Road will be closed until further notice; it is unclear when the road will reopen. Amtrak has also suspended all service south of Seattle. Significant rail and road disruptions are to be anticipated in the area.
Context
The train derailed over Interstate 5 at approximately 07:50 (local time) on Monday in DuPont, located approximately 80 km (50 mi) south of Seattle. Officials are still investigating the cause of the accident. Police officials said that several cars were hit by the train, but no motorists were killed. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, around 60,000 vehicles use Interstate 5 in the area every day.
Advice
Individuals in the area are advised to allow additional time to travel and plan alternative routes around DuPont.
