US: Amtrak train was speeding at time of deadly crash, officials say
UPDATE at 7:25 AM on WEDNESDAY | AN Amtrak train that derailed in Washington, killing three people and injuring more than 70, was reportedly traveling at more than twice the maximum speed limit.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the event data recorder showed the passenger train was traveling at 128kph in a 48kph zone when it derailed just after 7:30am on Monday (local time).
As many as 13 carriages were sent hurtling across a highway when the train flew off an overpass south of Seattle.
The National Transportation Safety Board said is it not yet clear why the train was going as fast as it was.
The maximum speed is supposed to drop from 127kph to 48kph just before the curve in the tracks.
The fateful trip was the first on a new high-speed Amtrak route between Portland and Seattle.
FIRST at 7:00 AM on TUESDAY | Three people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after a commuter train derailed in Washington.
The train was enroute from Chicago to Portland when it careered off an overpass about 8.00am Monday local time.
An Amtrak spokesperson confirmed in a statement that there were 78 passengers and five crew members on board the train when the accident occurred. At least 77 of them have been taken to local hospitals with various injuries.
It’s understood the track had just undergone a major upgrade and only opened to the public today.
“Today was the first day of public use of the tracks after weeks of inspection and testing,” the Washington State Transport Department said.
NEW: Aerial view provides fuller look at devastating Amtrak train derailment in Washington state; “multiple fatalities” reported according to officials. https://t.co/4rDhIR6a5R pic.twitter.com/7ND0vylheR
— ABC News (@ABC) December 18, 2017
US President Donald Trump said his thoughts and prayers were with everyone affected by the accident.
The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the train accident in DuPont, Washington. Thank you to all of our wonderful First Responders who are on the scene. We are currently monitoring here at the White House.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017
