An Amtrak train that derailed south of Seattle, as many as six passengers and injuring dozens, was making its first run as part of a higher speed service that local authorities had warned could be dangerous.
Transitdocs.com, a website that maps Amtrak train locations and speeds using data from the railroad's train tracker app, said Train 501 was going 81.1 mph moments before the derailment Monday.
The Washington State Department of Transportation posted information about the $180.7 million project online that said the maximum speed along that stretch of track is 79 mph. The new route was designed to speed up service by removing passenger trains from a route along Puget Sound that's bogged down by curves, single-track tunnels and freight traffic.
The department billed the project as a "more frequent, more reliable, and faster Amtrak Cascades service."
The project underwent two phases of testing that began in mid-January, the department said. The first test sought to stabilize the track before checking its signals and commissioning work. In February, the second phase tested the tracks and signals at speeds up to 79 mph between sunrise and sunset on during non-commuter hours.
"We are aware of the fact that this was a called an inaugural run but we want to check and make sure what that exactly means," Bella Dinh-Zarr, a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said in a news conference Monday.
Earlier this month, the mayor of Lakewood, Washington, a city along the route, expressed concerns about the risk of a deadly crash, though he thought it would involve a fast-moving train hitting a car or pedestrian at a crossing.
"Come back when there is that accident, and try to justify not putting in those safety enhancements, or you can go back now and advocate for the money to do it, because this project was never needed and endangers our citizens," Mayor Don Anderson said, according to local outlet KOMO-TV.
Last week, the nearby military facility Joint Base Lewis-McChord posted a safety video about the high-speed train, warning drivers to never stop on the tracks.
More photos from scene of Amtrak train derailment pic.twitter.com/yWEJejp1H2
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
Amtrak released this statement shortly after the crash:
Amtrak Cascades Train 501, operating from Seattle and Portland, derailed south of Tacoma, Wash. There were approximately 78 passengers and five crew members on board. Initial reports are that some injuries are reported to passengers and crew, and taken to local medical facilities for treatment.
Individuals with questions about their friends and family on this train should call (800) 523-9101. Local emergency responders are on the scene.
Service from Seattle to points north and east is continuing to operate. Amtrak Cascades Trains 504 and 509 are cancelled. No alternate transportation will be available.
Additional updates will be provided when available.
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.
First up close images of scene coming from @wspd1pio Trooper Bova, this is heartbreaking to see. Our thoughts & prayers to everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/ws460sjWRo
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
Photos from scene of amtrak passenger train derailment pic.twitter.com/gd09MzLCC6
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 18, 2017
Story from CBS News.