*New Amtrak Train Derails On Highway Overpass Outside of Seattle, Killing 3

The first southbound train on of the newly routed Amtrak Cascades Seattle-to-Portland service derailed on a highway overpass on Monday morning, with two passenger cars falling onto southbound Interstate 5, striking motor vehicles.

2 minute read

December 18, 2017, 12:00 PM PST

By Irvin Dawid


Amtrak Cascaded

An Amtrak Cascades passing by Carkeek Park in Seattle, pictured in 2006. | Tim / Wikimedia Commons

[Updated 12/20/2017] Amtrak train 501, which had a scheduled departure of 6:45 am local time from Tacoma, "was part of a new service that launched Monday morning," reports CBS News. "The train is able to carry up to 250 people, but officials said there were about 75 aboard at the time of the crash." The derailment occurred in Pierce County.

‘‘The only car that is on the tracks is the rear locomotive," stated passenger Chris Karnes who was three or four cars back from the front. "There are several cars that are hanging over the overpass,’’ Karnes said in an AP report on the derailment which indicated that a "track obstruction" is seen as the likely cause. 

The Amtrak Cascades travel between Vancouver, British Columbia and Eugene, Oregon, although train 501 only travels between Seattle and Portland. December 18 was the first day for the new schedule [pdf].

The new service refers to a new route between Seattle and Portland rated for a higher speed limit of 79 mph.The older route traveled along Puget Sound and involved many curves. Radio reports indicates that the train was traveling at 80 mph on a curve before the I-5 overpass with a speed limit of 30 mph. This will likely be a major aspect of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

"Several vehicles on I-5 were struck by derailed train cars tumbling down from the tracks above," Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer said, reports John Bacon for USA TODAY.

"We have multiple fatals on the train, no fatals on the roadway," Troyer said. He said the number of fatalities had not been determined."

"Interstate 5 southbound near Dupont, about 50 miles south of Seattle, was closed after the derailment "and will be for some time," Troyer said. He said the derailment took place at about 7:40 a.m. local time.

The new route was part of a $180.7 million project. Monday was the first day of revenue service. Radio reports indicate that news reporters had rode the train between Portland and Seattle on Friday, Dec. 15.

Amtrak Cascades trains are designed for high-speed rail service," according to Amtrak.

Amtrak Cascades trains feature a special technology that uses gravity to tilt through curves while speed is maintained. This technology shortens travel time between Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, by 25 minutes. 

[This story was updated with correct count for fatalities and correct information regarding the speed limit in the area of the crash.]

Sunday, December 17, 2017 in AP

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.