Washington derailment – as it happened: Trump responds to fatal disaster by touting infrastructure plan before sending condolences
Our coverage of the train crash over busy road in Washington State
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
There have been a number of deaths after an Amtrak train derailed on an overpass in Washington State, according to a spokesman for the local sheriff's office
The train derailed on a bridge over a major highway in DuPont, Washington - leaving it hanging over the Interstate 5. and blocking all southbound lanes.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said it had reports of both injuries and casualties. Among the injured were motorists who had been struck by the derailed cars, none of whom were killed.
Follow the latest live updates on our liveblog below. If you cannot see the live blog, click here
Washington Gov Jay Inslee offered a message of support to first responders and urged commuters to avoid the area.
“This is an ongoing and serious situation,” Mr Inslee said on Twitter.
In an image shared by the Washington State Department of Transportation, a train car can be seen hanging off of the tracks and protruding into the highway. The agency noted that all southbound lanes were blocked and urged commuters to avoid the area.
Welcome to our coverage of the train derailment in Washington State.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has posted photos of the train derailment:
Preliminary reports indicate that the Amtrak derailment in Washington State has caused several injuries to motorists on I-5, but that there are no motorist fatalities reported so far.
The Pierce County Sheriff's office has reported multiple fatalities after an Amtrak passenger train derailed from an interstate overpass. Photos of the scene show at least one train car dangling from above the road.
The sheriff's office says that there were multiple injuries sustained by motorists on I-5, but that no fatalities were reported on the road.
Amtrak passengers on the derailed train in Washington State say that they were forced to kick windows out to get to safety because emergency exits weren't functioning properly.
"We had just passed the city of DuPont and it seemed like we were going around a curve" Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7. "All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill."
"The next thing we know, we're being slammed into the front of our seats, windows are breaking, we stop, and there's water gushing out of the train. People were screaming," he added.
As many as 77 people have been taken to local hospitals after an Amtrak passenger train derailed from an overpass above Interstate 5 in Pierce County, Washington.
Four of those patients are considered "level red" patients, meaning they have the most severe injuries.
The hospitals have set up rooms for visiting family.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the passenger train derailment in Washington State, according to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
"The President is aware and we are monitoring the situation," she said.
Amtrak says that there were 78 passengers, and five crew members, on board the passenger train that derailed in Washington State.
In a release, Amtrak said that individuals with questions about their friends or families should call (800) 523 - 9101.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies