Heads up Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia DUers: Amtrack train derails and falls onto I-5 just south of Tacoma

[Mrs. Overall]

From Komo: http://komonews.com/news/local/derailed-train-falls-off-bridge-onto-i-5-lanes-south-of-tacoma

(KOMO) — PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 are closed south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord after an Amtrak train derailed and fell off an overpass onto the freeway.

Motorists are being warned to avoid the area.

"I was just shocked," said Peter Zimmerman of Olympia. "I couldn't believe it. It was like something out of a movie."

State transportation officials say the train derailed near Mounts Road.

Amtrak officials said the train was the No. 501, which operates between Seattle and Portland.

No word on casualties yet.

[Aristus]

1. My clinic is just two blocks north of the site of the derailment.

I crossed the tracks and arrived at the clinic about twenty minutes before it happened.

We're probably looking at a slow day here...

[Mrs. Overall]

2. I imagine the investigation and clean-up could keep the southbound lanes closed all day.

Just hoping there aren't casualties.

Let us know if you hear any updates.

[Aristus]

3. I will.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. 3 dead, says WSDOT

The detour roads will take hours to use, one of them is a 60 mile swing west, then south, then east , 2 lane,

I would find a motel and wait it out till next day, personally, cause that bottle neck on I-5 is gonna affect everyone driving into or out of the Puget Sound area.

[Mrs. Overall]

4. New photo: train car flat on the freeway below the dangling car:

:large

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. Overturned, too. It's lying on its roof. NT

[dixiegrrrrl]

9. map of the incident, for those who are interested...

[woodsprite]

6. My friend just texted me. Said she was going northbound on I-5 when it happened.

Said it looks very bad and to say prayers, send healing thoughts, etc. to everyone involved. She made it to work, but said she's so shaken she can't stop thinking about it and may need to head home, if she can get around the traffic.

[Mrs. Overall]

7. I feel bad for your friend. Being a witness to this sort of tragedy can be so traumatic.

I hope she can go home and take care.