At least three killed in Amtrak Washington state train derailment

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At least three people were killed when an Amtrak train derailed outside Tacoma on a new route between Seattle and Portland on Monday, according to DuPont Fire Chief Larry Creekmore.

Data from the train's rear engine indicated that it was traveling at 80 mph (130km/h) in a 30 mph zone, a federal official said after an investigation.

Earlier, authorities quoted by Associated Press spoke of at least six people killed.

All the deaths were on board the train, said Ed Troyer, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman, adding that some of the rail cars were not yet safe to search.

About 100 people were transferred to hospitals after most of the Amtrak train's carriages left the track. A number of them suffered serious injuries.

Reuters Photo

According to media reports, the train left Seattle, heading south for Portland, at 6:00 local time (14:00 GMT). The derailment happened on a section of track, south of Tacoma, previously only used for freight trains.

Seventy-seven passengers and seven crew members were aboard when the train derailed and pulled 13 cars off the tracks. Five vehicles and two trucks were also involved in the accident, authorities said.

Photos from the scene show at least one train car on the road, with another dangling over it.

Reuters Photo

First day of new service route

It was Amtrak's first passenger service to run on a new, shorter route.

Many of those on board were railway enthusiasts, keen to experience the first high-speed train on the new route, reported BBC, citing a local news reporter who was on the train, but got off at a stop just before the crash.

Trump: Crumbling infrastructure

US President Donald Trump has tweeted about what he called the country's crumbling infrastructure.

In his twitter, Trump said the accident showed the need for his forthcoming infrastructure plan.

Twitter screenshot

The president has also addressed the victims, saying the White House is currently monitoring the tragedy.

The White House is preparing to roll out a long-delayed infrastructure rebuilding plan next month.

The Trump administration is expected to promote a program that would include 200 billion US dollars in federal spending and aims to spur 800 billion US dollars in state, local and private sector spending, according to a CNBC report.

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