Infrastructure Collapse Watch: Amtrak Train Derails On A Route That JUST OPENED TODAY


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Three confirmed dead, massive damage and a shut-down interstate. Here’s what we know so far…

On it’s grand debut, Amtrak train 501 derails.

Here’s the official statement:

Cascades Train 501
8:15 a.m. PTAmtrak is aware of an incident with Train 501, Cascades service from Seattle to Portland. Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported.Amtrak service south of Seattle is temporarily suspended. Service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate.Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

Anyone can subscribe to automated email or text message notifications if Amtrak trains are behind schedule at specific stations. Notifications can be given for up to six trains and stations by either text or email and delivered when you choose – on a single day, every day, or just certain days of the week. Create a subscription at Amtrak.com/delayalerts.

Passengers with travel plans also can confirm their train’s status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

Here’s coverage from Zero Hedge

Update: At least three people have been killed in today’s train derailment, according to the Seattle Times.

Pierce County Sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer told news media that there were fatalities on the train and that motorists had been injured, but not killed. The full extent of the injuries is not yet known.

At least one train car fell on to the interstate below, as the photo above shows. Meanwhile, authorities say several vehicles on Interstate 5 were struck by the falling train cars when an Amtrak train derailed south of Seattle, and “multiple motorists” were injured on the roadway, according to the Associated Press.

Chris Karnes, a passenger who was on the train three or four cars back from the front, spoke to a local TV station.

“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.

A day after a power failure at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport – the busiest terminal in the world – left thousands of passengers stranded with flights only just beginning to resume, America’s crumbling infrastructure was on display yet again on Monday, but this time, the failure looks much more severe.

To wit, Amtrak train 501 derailed in Pierce County, near Seattle, according to media reports and images showing the train tumbling off the tracks and on to the freeway below.

Images of the mangled wreckage flooded social media…

Here’s a livefeed of the scene, courtesy of CBS


The accident caused “massive damage” and “people are hurt,” according to Chris Karnes, the chairman of Pierce Transit’s advisory board. Police said information about injuries would be forthcoming.

Amtrak said in a tweet that it’s “aware of the incident” and will update with additional details…

“I was just shocked,” said Peter Zimmerman of Olympia. “I couldn’t believe it. It was like something out of a movie.” According to the local TV station, the train was traveling along a new high speed route that had just opened Monday.

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Editor’s Note:

Don tin foil hats –

Did this just give Washington a green light to fire up some good old-fashioned deficit spending to rebuild crumbling infrastructure (even if parts of it are brand new)?

– Remove tin foil hats

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Editor’s Note II: