A southbound high-speed passenger train, on its inaugural trip from Seattle to Portland, derailed while crossing Interstate 5 near the Thurston/Pierce County Line Monday morning. The incident occurred about 7:40 AM. An unconfirmed number of people died and 70-plus people have been transported to area hospitals. Three or four train cars reported overturned in the woods. Two train cars crashed onto I-5 striking several vehicles on the highway.

Cause of the derailment not yet known. National Transportation Safety Board investigators are en route. Southbound I-5 is closed at the Mounts Road exit 116 and will be closed for at least the rest of the day.

Gov. Inslee has declared a state of emergency:
https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/proc_17-13.pdf

There were 78 passengers and five crew members reported on board.

Inslee statement on Amtrak incident in Pierce County

“Today’s tragic incident in Pierce County is a serious and ongoing emergency. Trudi and I are holding in our hearts everyone on board, and are praying for the many injured. They are our top priority, and I know first responders are doing everything to ensure everyone has the care they need.

“Everyone should avoid traveling I-5, and WSDOT is working to open alternative routes through the area during the emergency response. This morning I spoke with my cabinet officials, and we are in touch with Amtrak who we know are working to provide as much information as possible.

“WSDOT will have further updates on Twitter, those in the area can mark themselves safe with Facebook Safety Check, and I will be monitoring the situation with our team during the ongoing response.”