BREAKING: Horror as train derails and crashes onto highway

[RoterTeufel]

BREAKING: Horror as train derails and crashes onto highway

THERE are reports of multiple casualties after a train derailed and landed on a packed highway.

The crash happened in the US state of Washington.

Train company Amtrak confirmed that one of its trains had derailed, but wouldn't give details on the casualty figures.

In a Twitter post the company wrote: "We are aware of an incident involving Amtrak train 501. We will update with additional details as they become available."

All southbound lanes of the Interstate 5 Highway have been shut, the state transport department tweeted.

The horror crash happened around 40 miles south of the US city of Seattle during the busy morning rushhour.

The local sheriff's office tweeted: "Injuries and casualties were 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.

One Twitter user shared a video of the aftermath of the tragedy, writing: "Terrifying to see this morning. Praying everyone is OK."

So far the cause of the derailment is not clear.