Amtrak Train Derailment: Train Was Traveling 80 In 30 Mph Zone

DUPONT, WA — The Amtrak train that derailed in DuPont was traveling at around 80 mph in a 30-mph zone, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The train derailed in DuPont on Monday morning around 7:30 a.m., about halfway between Tacoma and Lacey, Wash.

During a press conference at Sea-Tac Airport Monday night, NTSB board member Bella Dhin-Zarr said the train was estimated to be traveling close to 80 mph. The train derailed at a curve in the tracks that cross I-5. The speed in that area is 30 mph, but the train may have been speeding nearly triple that at the time of the crash.

The train, No. 501, was headed for Portland and had left the Tacoma station about 12 minutes before the derailment. Twelve of the train's 13 cars left the tracks, and at least three people are confirmed dead.

There were more than 80 passengers and crew on the train, and dozens were taken to local hospitals following the incident.

Because the train crashed onto I-5, the southbound lanes of the highway were still closed Tuesday morning.

Image via WSDOT