Washington train derailment: Donald Trump promotes new infrastructure plan after deadly crash

There were 77 passengers and five crew members on the train when it derailed near DuPont
AP
Tom Powell19 December 2017

Donald Trump has said the deadly train derailment in Washington state is proof of the need for a nationwide push for new infrastructure.

The US president said the wreck, on a newly completed bypass, shows "more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly".

He added: “Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!"

At least six people were killed and more than 50 injured after the Amtrak train came off the tracks on a bridge over a highway about 40 miles south of Seattle.

It was making the inaugural run on the new route as part of a 180 million dollar (£134 million) project designed to speed up service.

An official said preliminary signs indicated that Train 501 may have struck something before derailing near DuPont.

Pierce County Sheriff's Office said several vehicles on Interstate 5 were struck by falling train carriages and multiple motorists were injured. No motorists were reported to be killed.

Mr Trump later added to his initial reaction by saying his “thoughts and prayers” were with those involved in the incident.

He also thanked emergency services for their work at the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board said a team of investigators was on its way to the scene from Washington DC.

The train was going 81.1mph moments before the derailment, according to transitdocs.com, a website that maps Amtrak train locations and speeds using data from the railroad's train tracker app.

The maximum speed along the stretch of track, known as Point Defiance Bypass, is 79mph, according to information about the project posted online by Washington State Department of Transportation.

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