1st LD: Injuries reported in AMTRAK train derailment in U.S. Washington state

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A train of AMTRAK derailed near Tacoma in the U.S. west coast state of Washington Monday, which has caused an unknown number of injuries, Amtrack tweeted.

"Amtrak 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," it said.

It added that Amtrak service south of Seattle is temporarily suspended, but service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate.

A footage of a local TV showed that at least one rail car fell off an overpass over a traffic-clogged highway.

CBS News TV said the Pierce County Sheriff's Spokesman Ed Troyer confirmed there are fatalities" in the Amtrak derailment.

"Derailed Amtrak passenger train was heading south bound. Injuries and casualties reported, numbers to come," the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said.

It said several cars on I5 were struck by derailed Amtrak train cars and multiple motorists injured on roadway.

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Union Station in Washington, D.C., Amtrak is a passenger railroad service that provides medium- and long-distance intercity service in the contiguous United States. Enditem