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TRAIN CRASH: Questions and answers after train derailment kills 3 near Seattle

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 Crews are using cranes and flatbed trucks to remove Amtrak cars that derailed in Dupont, Washington, about 60 miles south of Seattle on Monday. At least 3 people were killed and dozens of others were sent to hospitals.

An Amtrak train derailed Monday morning off an overpass at an estimated 80 mph and plunged onto Interstate 5 in DuPont, Washington, killing at least three people, authorities said. All lanes are blocked about 60 miles south of Seattle.

Download the KIRO 7 News app for breaking developments on this story. See slideshow of crash here. 

Q: Where did the train derail?

A: The train derailed over southbound I-5 at Mounts Road near DuPont. The train plunged off of an I-5 overpass onto the highway. Thirteen cars jumped the tracks, WSP officials said Monday afternoon.

Q: Where was the train headed?

A: The Amtrak train that derailed was Train 501, which provides Cascades service from Seattle to Portland, Amtrak officials said Monday.

Download the KIRO 7 News app for breaking developments on this story. See slideshow of crash here. 

Q: Was anyone injured or killed?

A: Yes. At least three people were killed, authorities said during an afternoon news briefing. Multiple others were reportedly injured, including motorists who were on I-5 at the time.

Hospital staff initially said at least 70 people were taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. They said Monday night that the number was 14 and that their initial figure was incorrect. Twenty patients were sent to the Madigan Army Medical Center emergency center. Three male patients were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for assessment in the Emergency Department: one in critical condition, the other two in serious, stable condition.

Q: Were cars on I-5 struck when the train derailed?

A: Yes. Five cars and two semis were hit during the train derailment, WSP officials said Monday afternoon.

Q: Is I-5 closed?

A: All lanes of southbound I-5 at Mounts Road near DuPont are closed for an extended period of time. The lanes will likely be closed into Monday night. Drivers should prepare for heavy traffic along alternate routes as well. Traffic officials are asking drivers to prepare for the possibility of a multi-day closure of SB I-5 in this area.

Southbound I-5 in the area where the train derailed will likely be closed through Tuesday morning.

Q: What's a good alternate route to use during the closure?

A: According to KIRO 7's Rachel Calderon, the best alternate route is as follows: Exit I-5 at Highway 16 through Gig Harbor to Port Orchard, exit to Highway 3, head south to Shelton, exit Highway 101 to Olympia, to I-5. Trooper Bova with the Washington State Patrol said around 1 p.m., JBLM is diverting traffic through Center Drive to SR 510.  Northbound I-5 traffic is asked not to divert and to continue on I-5.

Download the KIRO 7 News app for breaking developments on this story. See slideshow of crash here. 

Q: What caused the derailment?

A: Authorities are investigating the cause of the derailment. The bypass debuted on Friday. Today was the first official day of service. An official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press that preliminary signs indicate the train may have struck something before going off the track. The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Q: How many people were on the train?

A: There were 86 people on the train. There were 80 passengers and five crew members on the Amtrak train, officials with Amtrak said.

Q: Where can I find real-time updates?

A: Find real-time updates and developments as the situation unfolds at this link.

Download the KIRO 7 News app for breaking developments on this story. See slideshow of crash here. 

Q: When did the train derail?

A: The derailment happened around 7:45 a.m. Monday.

Q: What happens with Amtrak service now?

A: Service from Seattle to areas north and east will continue to operate. Amtrak Cascades trains 504 and 509 are canceled, with no plans for alternate transportation.

Q: I have a loved one who was on the train. Where are they now?

A: A reunification center was set up at DuPont City Hall. People are asked to not come to the scene of the derailment. Anyone with questions about friends or family on Train 501 should call 1-800-523-9101.

Download the KIRO 7 News app for breaking developments on this story. See slideshow of crash here. 

Q: How can I help?

A: Bloodworks Northwest asked for urgent help with blood donations. Find out how to donate blood here. By around 4 p.m., thanks to a massive response from the community, Bloodworks Northwest's immediate need for blood had been met.

More on derailment from KIRO 7 

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