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Chris Karnes was on the train Amtrak train that derailed south of Seattle, three or four cars back from the front.
Karnes told The Associated Press in a brief phone interview Monday morning that he was “not sure what got hit.”
He was unhurt and is now near the medical tents set up in a median area between north- and sound-bound Interstate 5, just south of DuPont, Washington.
Karnes said: “there are several cars that are hanging over the overpass,” Karnes.
The train derailed before 8 a.m. Monday. Authorities reported “injuries and casualties” but did not immediately have more information.
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TACOMA, Wash. — An Amtrak train derailed south of Seattle on Monday, and authorities reported “injuries and casualties.”
The train derailed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Seattle before 8 a.m., spilling at least one train car on to busy Interstate 5.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s office said in a tweet that the train was heading south and that there were “injuries and casualties,” but no numbers were immediately available.
All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and motorists were being warned to avoid the area.
Chris Karnes was on the train, three or four cars back from the front.
“I’m not sure what got hit. I’m not sure what happened,” Karnes said.
He was unhurt but near the medical tents set up in a median area between north- and sound-bound I-5, just south of DuPont.
“The only car that is on the tracks is the rear locomotive. There are several cars that are hanging over the overpass,” Karnes said.
In a statement Amtrak said the train that derailed was Train 501, offering service from Seattle to Portland.
“Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported,” Amtrak said.
