AP: Amtrak Train Derailed After “Struck Something On Track”

A U.S. official told AP a train derailment outside of Seattle has killed at least six people and the death count is expected to rise.

The official who was briefed on the investigation also says preliminary signs indicate the Amtrak train may have struck something on the track before going off the track. The train was traveling at 81.1 MPH when the incident occurred. Speed is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The high-speed train was making its first run on newly constructed tracks when it derailed before 8 a.m. Monday.

The official said because the tracks were new it was unlikely to be a maintenance issue.

Developing.