Multiple Fatalities After Amtrak Goes Off The Tracks In Washington State

The high-speed train was making its first run on newly constructed tracks when it derailed before 8 a.m. Monday.

DUPONT, Wash. (AP) _ A U.S. official says a train derailment outside of Seattle has killed at least six people and the death count is expected to rise.

CNN is reporting that the Sheriff’s office says there are multiple victims inside the derailed cars; 77 people have been taken to local hospitals.

The official who was briefed on the investigation also says preliminary signs indicate the Amtrak train may have struck something on the track before going off the track.

The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The high-speed train was making its first run on newly constructed tracks when it derailed before 8 a.m. Monday.

The official said because the tracks were new it was unlikely to be a maintenance issue.