An Amtrak train has derailed south of Seattle, and authorities say "injuries and casualties" were reported.
Washington DOTTACOMA, Wash. (AP) — An Amtrak train derailed south of Seattle on Monday, spilling train cars onto a busy interstate and authorities reported "multiple fatalities."
The train derailed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Seattle before 8 a.m.
Amtrak says there were approximately 78 passengers and five crew members on board.
Ed Troyer, a spokesman with the Pierce County Sheriff's office, said multiple people were killed aboard the train that was heading south, but no numbers were immediately available.
The sheriff's office said several vehicles on Interstate 5 were struck by the falling train cars and "multiple motorists" were injured on the roadways. No fatalities of motorists were reported.
All southbound lanes of I-5 were closed south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and motorists were being warned to avoid the area.
Chris Karnes was on the train, three or four cars back from the front.
"I'm not sure what got hit. I'm not sure what happened," Karnes said.
He was unhurt but near the medical tents set up in a median area between north- and sound-bound I-5, just south of DuPont.
This photo provided by Washington State Patrol shows an Amtrak train that derailed south of Seattle on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. Authorities reported "injuries and casualties." The train derailed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Seattle before 8 a.m., spilling at least one train car on to busy Interstate 5. (Washington State Patrol via AP)
HOGP
This photo provided by Danae Orlob shows an Amtrak train that derailed south of Seattle on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. Authorities reported "injuries and casualties." The train derailed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Seattle before 8 a.m., spilling at least one train car on to busy Interstate 5. (Danae Orlob via AP)
Danae Orlob
This photo provided by Washington State Patrol shows an Amtrak train that derailed south of Seattle on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. Authorities reported "injuries and casualties." The train derailed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Seattle before 8 a.m., spilling at least one train car on to busy Interstate 5. (Washington State Patrol via AP)
HOGP"The only car that is on the tracks is the rear locomotive. There are several cars that are hanging over the overpass," Karnes said.
In a statement Amtrak said the train that derailed was Train 501, offering service from Seattle to Portland.
"Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported," Amtrak said.