(Reuters) — An Amtrak passenger train derailed on a bridge over a major highway in DuPont, Washington, on Monday morning, blocking all southbound lanes on Interstate 5 and prompting a massive emergency response, according to local authorities and news media reports.
Amtrak confirmed its train was involved but did not provide further information.
"We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501," the rail operator said on Twitter. "We will update with additional details as they become available."
Part of the train fell onto the interstate around 7:30 a.m. (1530 GMT), causing several injuries, The News Tribune reported. The local newspaper did not have further details on the nature or extent of the injuries. No deaths were immediately reported.
A photograph posted on Twitter by the Washington State Department of Transportation showed a train car that had apparently veered off a bridge onto the highway below. The agency said southbound lanes were closed, and warned drivers to avoid the area.
The National Transportation Safety Board said on Twitter that it was gathering information about the incident.
(Reporting by Jonathan Allen, Joseph Ax and Gina Cherelus in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis)