An Amtrak Cascades train derailed south of Tacoma, Washington, near the Chambers Bay Bridge in Steilacoom at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time. The train was en route to Vancouver from Eugene, Oregon.
267 passengers were onboard at the time, and alternate transportation is being provided.
#GigHarbor PD patrol boat assisting at scene of train derailment at Chambers Bay/Steilacoom area. pic.twitter.com/ni4YareJOX
— Gig Harbor Police (@GigHarborPolice) July 2, 2017
The Pierre County Sheriff’s Twitter account reported there were no fatalities; some passengers with minor injuries were being evacuated from the train. No crew were injured.
No fatalities nobody in water. Minor injuries passengers being evacuated .
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) July 2, 2017
The Amtrak train runs on tracks owned and operated by BNSF, one of the major American rail companies. However, Washington State’s Department of Transportation is in the process of moving all passenger trains, including the Cascades train that derailed today, to a new inland rail line along the west side of Interstate 5.
Sound Transit, the region’s mass transit governing body, uses this line currently for its Sounder train that connects Seattle to the city’s southern suburbs.
The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time.
