Steilacoom Amtrak Derailment May Cause Delays Monday

STEILACOOM, WA - After an Amtrak train partially derailed Sunday afternoon in Steilacoom, the rail line says that trains in the area where the derailment happened will operate at slower speeds Monday. The accident happened around 2:30 p.m. Sunday near Chambers Bay Creek. The locomotive and the baggage car of the Oregon-bound train derailed, and some passengers sustained minor injuries.

On Monday morning, Amtrak spokesman Vernae Graham said that tracks in the area should reopen by 5 p.m., but until then, trains will have to get by on a single track.

"Amtrak is operating service today but with restricted speeds, so there will be some delays. We are single tracking through the area and according to BNSF, expect the second track to be back around [5 p.m. PST] today," Graham said. "Train 506 has been re-railed and moved to a siding. Passengers belongings from the baggage car (one of the two cars that lost contact with the rail) are being gathered and will be returned to passengers."

Late Sunday, Amtrak said that two trains along the line - the 506 and 509 - were cancelled. Passengers traveling Monday should expect some delays, Amtrak said

Image via Gig Harbor police