The US was ‘bombed’ by another powerful storm on Wednesday (Nov. 20), as Washington state was battered by a bomb cyclone. The powerful winds left more than 0.6 million customers without power in the northwest US and killed a woman earlier on Tuesday when a tree fell on a makeshift shelter.

CNN reported that two people were injured as a tree fell on their trailer in Maple Valley, southeast of Seattle.

The storm prompted the closure of schools and universities across Washington. The storm also affected areas in Southwest Oregon and Northern California. The bomb cyclone&nbsp;brought winds of 80 km per hour and gusts around 112 kmph.

Experts are warning that this is just the beginning. Rich Otto, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said, “The storm is just beginning." "We haven't gotten a ton of rain yet, just 2-3 inches over Southwest Oregon and Northern California," Otto added.

The bomb cyclone is expected to make landfall over Northern California in the next few days. "The biggest surge is Thursday. We're looking at 10-15 inches of rain by Friday, some places, 20-inches," the meteorologist warned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwis9LbCrOuJAxURSGwGHSbEMFY4ChDF9AEoAHoECAgQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-creators-of-storm-us-meteorologists-face-death-threats-as-hurricane-conspiracy-theories-spiral-online-766711" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-creators-of-storm-us-meteorologists-face-death-threats-as-hurricane-conspiracy-theories-spiral-online-766711&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis9LbCrOuJAxURSGwGHSbEMFY4ChDF9AEoAHoECAgQAQ">`Kill creators of storm`: US meteorologists face death threats as hurricane conspiracy theories spiral online</a>

The US Weather Service has issued warnings and alerts for areas in the Pacific Northwest and from Northern Washington to the Sierra Nevada Range.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's GOES-West satellite captured the moments as the cyclone made its way to the American coastline, revealing its comma-shaped structure.

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An incredible view of the 'bomb cyclone' strengthening and approaching the Pacific Northwest. <a href="https://t.co/UeKyd0VA0z">pic.twitter.com/UeKyd0VA0z</a>
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/CIRA_CSU/status/1859051692823658995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Notably, the term “bomb” refers to a storm that experiences "bombogenesis," a phenomenon where the central pressure drops rapidly, leading to a dramatic boost in the cyclone’s power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiUn-yurOuJAxV0VmwGHQB6M4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-unveils-breathtaking-images-of-gigantic-jets-over-himalayan-peaks-735769" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-unveils-breathtaking-images-of-gigantic-jets-over-himalayan-peaks-735769&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUn-yurOuJAxV0VmwGHQB6M4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks</a>

US residents across north-western states have been told to avoid road travel due to heavy rains and winds. The state's Department of Transportation said the traffic was already slowing and warned motorists to be extra cautious.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US was ‘bombed’ by another powerful storm on Wednesday (Nov. 20), as Washington state was battered by a bomb cyclone. The powerful winds left more than 0.6 million customers without power in the northwest US and killed a woman earlier on Tuesday when a tree fell on a makeshift shelter.

The US was ‘bombed’ by another powerful storm on Wednesday (Nov. 20), as Washington state was battered by a bomb cyclone. The powerful winds left more than 0.6 million customers without power in the northwest US and killed a woman earlier on Tuesday when a tree fell on a makeshift shelter. CNN reported that two people were injured as a tree fell on their trailer in Maple Valley, southeast of Seattle. The storm prompted the closure of schools and universities across Washington. The storm also affected areas in Southwest Oregon and Northern California. The bomb cyclone brought winds of 80 km per hour and gusts around 112 kmph. Experts are warning that this is just the beginning. Rich Otto, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said, “The storm is just beginning." "We haven't gotten a ton of rain yet, just 2-3 inches over Southwest Oregon and Northern California," Otto added. The bomb cyclone is expected to make landfall over Northern California in the next few days. "The biggest surge is Thursday. We're looking at 10-15 inches of rain by Friday, some places, 20-inches," the meteorologist warned. Also read: `Kill creators of storm`: US meteorologists face death threats as hurricane conspiracy theories spiral online The US Weather Service has issued warnings and alerts for areas in the Pacific Northwest and from Northern Washington to the Sierra Nevada Range. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's GOES-West satellite captured the moments as the cyclone made its way to the American coastline, revealing its comma-shaped structure. An incredible view of the 'bomb cyclone' strengthening and approaching the Pacific Northwest. pic.twitter.com/UeKyd0VA0z — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) November 20, 2024 × Notably, the term “bomb” refers to a storm that experiences "bombogenesis," a phenomenon where the central pressure drops rapidly, leading to a dramatic boost in the cyclone’s power. Also read: NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks US residents across north-western states have been told to avoid road travel due to heavy rains and winds. The state's Department of Transportation said the traffic was already slowing and warned motorists to be extra cautious. (With inputs from agencies)

Bomb cyclone strikes northwest US as 0.6 million people face power outage, one dead

In what might sound like a scene from the popular film Madagascar, police officers in the US state of Washington were called to deal with a rare traffic hazard, four runaway zebras seen running on a major state highway.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The incident took place over the weekend when four zebras managed to escape the trailer that they were being transported in&nbsp;from Washington to the US state of Montana via Interstate 90, according to a report by the Seattle Times.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday (Apr 30), one of the four zebras is still on the run, while three were recaptured after a bizarre rescue effort involving the state police and two rodeo professionals who happened to be passing by.&nbsp;

“This is a first for me and all (Washington State Patrol) troopers involved. 4 Zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer EB 90 to exit 32,” said Trooper Rick Johnson, in a post on X.&nbsp;

He added, “The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding. Crazy!!”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beating-the-heat-lions-and-tigers-cool-off-with-bloodsicles-at-philippine-zoo-716750">Beating the heat: Lions and tigers cool off with ‘bloodsicles’ at Philippine zoo</a>

Johnson also posted two images of a lone zebra walking along a mostly empty highway, with some police cars around. A report by NBC News said that the animals escaped while their owner stopped to secure their trailer.

The incident report, viewed by USA Today, said that at around 1:00 pm (local time), on Sunday (Apr 28) the owner of the four zebras, Kristine Keltgen was driving them from Winlock, Washington to Anaconda, Montana.&nbsp;

During the drive, Keltgen reportedly noticed the trailer’s “floor mat flapping and dragging” and as soon as she opened the door to adjust the mat, the zebras rushed out of the trailer and onto the highway.&nbsp;

ABC affiliate KOMO of Seattle reported that the King County Sheriff’s Office was called around 12:52 pm (local time) and it was not until 2:36 pm (local time) that three of them were captured.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Rodeo clown’</h2>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2273146573016677">One video</a> posted on Facebook shows one of the zebras entering what looked like someone’s backyard. However,&nbsp;the person who posted the video clarified that it was not their house but was just helping to wrangle the zebra into someone else’s yard.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/all-about-the-iconic-harry-potter-castle-in-ukraine-that-fell-victim-to-russian-missile-attack-716660">All about the iconic 'Harry Potter castle' in Ukraine that fell victim to Russian missile attack</a>

“We got zebras on the loose, we’ve got a rodeo clown. I’m like, ‘Cool, we’ve officially turned into a zoo here,’” a local resident Whitney Blomquist told KOMO.&nbsp;

<h2>One zebra at large</h2>

In a post on X, the Regional Animal Services of King County, late Monday (Apr 29) asked the residents to be on the lookout for a zebra in the North Bend area.&nbsp;

“Our officers were able to corral three zebras that escaped from a trailer on I-90 Sunday, but a fourth is still on the loose,” it added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In what might sound like a scene from the popular film Madagascar, police officers in the US state of Washington were called to deal with a rare traffic hazard, four runaway zebras seen running on a major state highway.

In what might sound like a scene from the popular film Madagascar, police officers in the US state of Washington were called to deal with a rare traffic hazard, four runaway zebras seen running on a major state highway. What happened? The incident took place over the weekend when four zebras managed to escape the trailer that they were being transported in from Washington to the US state of Montana via Interstate 90, according to a report by the Seattle Times. As of Tuesday (Apr 30), one of the four zebras is still on the run, while three were recaptured after a bizarre rescue effort involving the state police and two rodeo professionals who happened to be passing by. “This is a first for me and all (Washington State Patrol) troopers involved. 4 Zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer EB 90 to exit 32,” said Trooper Rick Johnson, in a post on X. He added, “The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding. Crazy!!” Also Read | Beating the heat: Lions and tigers cool off with ‘bloodsicles’ at Philippine zoo Johnson also posted two images of a lone zebra walking along a mostly empty highway, with some police cars around. A report by NBC News said that the animals escaped while their owner stopped to secure their trailer. The incident report, viewed by USA Today, said that at around 1:00 pm (local time), on Sunday (Apr 28) the owner of the four zebras, Kristine Keltgen was driving them from Winlock, Washington to Anaconda, Montana. During the drive, Keltgen reportedly noticed the trailer’s “floor mat flapping and dragging” and as soon as she opened the door to adjust the mat, the zebras rushed out of the trailer and onto the highway. ABC affiliate KOMO of Seattle reported that the King County Sheriff’s Office was called around 12:52 pm (local time) and it was not until 2:36 pm (local time) that three of them were captured. ‘Rodeo clown’ One video posted on Facebook shows one of the zebras entering what looked like someone’s backyard. However, the person who posted the video clarified that it was not their house but was just helping to wrangle the zebra into someone else’s yard. Also Read | All about the iconic 'Harry Potter castle' in Ukraine that fell victim to Russian missile attack “We got zebras on the loose, we’ve got a rodeo clown. I’m like, ‘Cool, we’ve officially turned into a zoo here,’” a local resident Whitney Blomquist told KOMO. One zebra at large In a post on X, the Regional Animal Services of King County, late Monday (Apr 29) asked the residents to be on the lookout for a zebra in the North Bend area. “Our officers were able to corral three zebras that escaped from a trailer on I-90 Sunday, but a fourth is still on the loose,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Rodeo workers, police round up zebras found running on major highway in Washington state

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated.

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach.

Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred.

Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated.

Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward.

Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him.

Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks.

Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester.

As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford.

“Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.”

The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator.

“This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.”

With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced.

Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision.

He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption.

Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated. Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach. Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred. Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated. Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward. Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him. Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks. Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester. As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford. “Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.” The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator. “This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.” With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced. Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision. He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption. Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”

Washington State University fires football coach over vaccine refusal

The legal marijuana industry is adding an estimated $2 billion to the economy of the Washington state and generating total tax revenues of more than $883 million, according to a new report.

A report by Washington State University has said that with the innovations and planned nurturing the cannabis industry can grow even more. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-white-house-staffers-fired-over-drugs-marijuana-use-371851">Also read: Five White House staffers fired over drugs, marijuana use</a>

Washington had become the first U.S. state to legalize recreational use of marijuana on December 6, 2012, second in recreational marijuana sales. The state had previously legalized medical marijuana in 1998. Under state law, cannabis is legal for medical purposes and any purpose by adults over 21.

The economic contributions of the cannabis sector are strong and growing. Among the findings of the report, marijuana excise taxes are the fastest-growing component of the Washington state’s general and selective sales tax revenue streams.

Here are the major study findings:

1. In 2020 the Washington cannabis sector contributed $1.85 billion to gross state product.

2. The sector, directly and indirectly, supported nearly 18,700 full-time equivalent jobs.

3. Retail cannabis sales grew 21% between 2019 and 2020 and grew 605% between 2015 and 
2020.

4. Marijuana Excise taxes are the fastest-growing component of the state’s General &amp; Selective Sales Taxes revenues.&nbsp;

The report is the first to detail the positive economic impacts associated with the state’s newest agriculture industry. It was compiled by Washington State University's Impact Center for the Washington State Cannabis Alliance.

(With inputs from agencies)

The legal marijuana industry is adding an estimated $2 billion to the economy of the Washington state and generating total tax revenues of more than $883 million, according to a new report.

The legal marijuana industry is adding an estimated $2 billion to the economy of the Washington state and generating total tax revenues of more than $883 million, according to a new report. A report by Washington State University has said that with the innovations and planned nurturing the cannabis industry can grow even more. Also read: Five White House staffers fired over drugs, marijuana use Washington had become the first U.S. state to legalize recreational use of marijuana on December 6, 2012, second in recreational marijuana sales. The state had previously legalized medical marijuana in 1998. Under state law, cannabis is legal for medical purposes and any purpose by adults over 21. The economic contributions of the cannabis sector are strong and growing. Among the findings of the report, marijuana excise taxes are the fastest-growing component of the Washington state’s general and selective sales tax revenue streams. Here are the major study findings: 1. In 2020 the Washington cannabis sector contributed $1.85 billion to gross state product. 2. The sector, directly and indirectly, supported nearly 18,700 full-time equivalent jobs. 3. Retail cannabis sales grew 21% between 2019 and 2020 and grew 605% between 2015 and 2020. 4. Marijuana Excise taxes are the fastest-growing component of the state’s General & Selective Sales Taxes revenues. The report is the first to detail the positive economic impacts associated with the state’s newest agriculture industry. It was compiled by Washington State University's Impact Center for the Washington State Cannabis Alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Marijuana adds $2 billion to Washington state economy: Study

An Amtrak train derailed on Monday during its inaugural run on a faster route from Seattle to Portland, Oregon, sending passenger cars tumbling from a bridge onto a major highway, killing at least three people and injuring about 100 others.

Thirteen of the train&#39;s 14 cars jumped the tracks near the town of DuPont, Washington State Patrol spokeswoman Brooke Bova said. Officials said 77 passengers and seven crew were aboard.

Five vehicles and two trucks were involved in the accident, and the highway was littered with fragments of the bridge and tree branches. Some motorists were injured but none died, authorities said.

&quot;We have been told there are three casualties at this time,&quot; Bova told a news conference, adding about 100 people were transported to area hospitals. &quot;There are a lot of critical injuries.&quot;

She said all of the train cars have been searched, and emergency efforts would likely extend through the night and into the morning.

Several hours after the 7:34 a.m. (1534 GMT) crash, train cars remained dangling from the overpass, with others strewn across Interstate 5, a major West Coast route stretching from the Canadian to Mexican borders.

&quot;It was just a scene of chaos and piles of twisted metal,&quot; said Ted Danek, administrator for the city of Dupont who visited the site shortly after the derailment.

Some of the people aboard escaped by kicking out windows, passenger Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7.

&quot;All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill,&quot; Karnes said. &quot;The next thing we know, we&#39;re being slammed into the front of our seats, windows are breaking, we stop, and there&#39;s water gushing out of the train. People were screaming.&quot;

The derailment occurred on the first day Amtrak trains began using the new inland route between the Washington cities of Tacoma and Olympia, part of a $181 million project to cut travel time, according to an October news release from the state&#39;s transportation department and Amtrak.

The rerouting takes trains along I-5, enabling them to reach speeds of 79 miles per hour (127 km per hour).

Monday&#39;s southbound Seattle-to-Portland train, whose scheduled departure time was 6 a.m. (1400 GMT), was the first to take the new route, which uses tracks owned by a commuter line.

It was not immediately clear whether the derailment was connected to the new route. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member told reporters it was too early to say what may have caused the crash.

A statement on Monday from the state transportation department said the track had undergone &quot;weeks of inspection and testing&quot; before Monday.

&#39;Cars everywhere&#39;

A train crew member told an emergency dispatcher the train came around a corner before the bridge and then &quot;we went on the ground,&quot; according to an audio recording posted by Broadcastify.com.

Asked whether everyone was OK, the crew member replied, &quot;I am still figuring that out. We got cars everywhere and down onto the highway.&quot;

Amtrak&#39;s co-chief executive, Richard Anderson, declined to speculate on the cause while speaking to reporters on Monday. He confirmed that positive train control (PTC), a system that automatically slows trains if they are going too fast, was not installed on the tracks.

By law, PTC must be installed on all passenger rail systems by 2018, a deadline that has repeatedly been delayed after rail agencies said implementation was more complicated than anticipated. Sound Transit commuter line, which owns the track, reported in September that it did not yet have PTC in operation.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the crash illustrated the need for infrastructure improvements.

The rerouting project was funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), according to the state transportation department. The work was done by Sound Transit and reviewed by the FRA, the department said on Monday.

The mayor of a town along the new route warned early this month that high-speed trains were dangerously close to cars and pedestrians, according to Seattle&#39;s KOMO News.

The derailment was Amtrak&#39;s second in Washington state this year. On July 2, a southbound train with more than 250 people aboard derailed in the town of Steilacoom, just a few miles north of Monday&#39;s derailment. No serious injuries were reported.

In May 2015, an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight people and injuring more than 200. The NTSB concluded the driver became distracted by radio transmissions and lost track of where he was.

An Amtrak train travelling from New York in April 2016 hit a backhoe working on railroad tracks in Chester, Pennsylvania, killing two maintenance workers and injuring 41.

That crash prompted criticism from the NTSB about Amtrak&#39;s safety record. Amtrak said last month that it had made numerous reforms.

Five vehicles and two trucks were involved in the accident, and the highway was littered with fragments of the bridge and tree branches. Some motorists were injured but none died, authorities said.

An Amtrak train derailed on Monday during its inaugural run on a faster route from Seattle to Portland, Oregon, sending passenger cars tumbling from a bridge onto a major highway, killing at least three people and injuring about 100 others. Thirteen of the train's 14 cars jumped the tracks near the town of DuPont, Washington State Patrol spokeswoman Brooke Bova said. Officials said 77 passengers and seven crew were aboard. Five vehicles and two trucks were involved in the accident, and the highway was littered with fragments of the bridge and tree branches. Some motorists were injured but none died, authorities said. "We have been told there are three casualties at this time," Bova told a news conference, adding about 100 people were transported to area hospitals. "There are a lot of critical injuries." She said all of the train cars have been searched, and emergency efforts would likely extend through the night and into the morning. Several hours after the 7:34 a.m. (1534 GMT) crash, train cars remained dangling from the overpass, with others strewn across Interstate 5, a major West Coast route stretching from the Canadian to Mexican borders. "It was just a scene of chaos and piles of twisted metal," said Ted Danek, administrator for the city of Dupont who visited the site shortly after the derailment. Some of the people aboard escaped by kicking out windows, passenger Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7. "All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill," Karnes said. "The next thing we know, we're being slammed into the front of our seats, windows are breaking, we stop, and there's water gushing out of the train. People were screaming." The derailment occurred on the first day Amtrak trains began using the new inland route between the Washington cities of Tacoma and Olympia, part of a $181 million project to cut travel time, according to an October news release from the state's transportation department and Amtrak. The rerouting takes trains along I-5, enabling them to reach speeds of 79 miles per hour (127 km per hour). Monday's southbound Seattle-to-Portland train, whose scheduled departure time was 6 a.m. (1400 GMT), was the first to take the new route, which uses tracks owned by a commuter line. It was not immediately clear whether the derailment was connected to the new route. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member told reporters it was too early to say what may have caused the crash. A statement on Monday from the state transportation department said the track had undergone "weeks of inspection and testing" before Monday. 'Cars everywhere' A train crew member told an emergency dispatcher the train came around a corner before the bridge and then "we went on the ground," according to an audio recording posted by Broadcastify.com. Asked whether everyone was OK, the crew member replied, "I am still figuring that out. We got cars everywhere and down onto the highway." Amtrak's co-chief executive, Richard Anderson, declined to speculate on the cause while speaking to reporters on Monday. He confirmed that positive train control (PTC), a system that automatically slows trains if they are going too fast, was not installed on the tracks. By law, PTC must be installed on all passenger rail systems by 2018, a deadline that has repeatedly been delayed after rail agencies said implementation was more complicated than anticipated. Sound Transit commuter line, which owns the track, reported in September that it did not yet have PTC in operation. U.S. President Donald Trump said the crash illustrated the need for infrastructure improvements. The rerouting project was funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), according to the state transportation department. The work was done by Sound Transit and reviewed by the FRA, the department said on Monday. The mayor of a town along the new route warned early this month that high-speed trains were dangerously close to cars and pedestrians, according to Seattle's KOMO News. The derailment was Amtrak's second in Washington state this year. On July 2, a southbound train with more than 250 people aboard derailed in the town of Steilacoom, just a few miles north of Monday's derailment. No serious injuries were reported. In May 2015, an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight people and injuring more than 200. The NTSB concluded the driver became distracted by radio transmissions and lost track of where he was. An Amtrak train travelling from New York in April 2016 hit a backhoe working on railroad tracks in Chester, Pennsylvania, killing two maintenance workers and injuring 41. That crash prompted criticism from the NTSB about Amtrak's safety record. Amtrak said last month that it had made numerous reforms.

Amtrak train on new route derails in Washington state, killing at least 3

An Amtrak passenger train derailed on Monday during its inaugural run along a faster route through Washington state, sending part of the train crashing down onto a major highway and killing an unknown number of passengers, authorities said.

The derailment caused &quot;multiple fatalities,&quot; Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the local sheriff&#39;s office, told reporters at the scene, though he did not offer a specific number. The train struck several cars on the highway, he added, causing injuries but no additional deaths.

Seventy-seven people were transported to hospitals in Pierce and Thurston counties, the Tacoma-based CHI Franciscan Health healthcare network said in a statement. Four of them were considered &quot;level red&quot; patients with the most severe injuries.

Approximately 78 passengers and five crew members were aboard the train, Amtrak said in a statement.

People escaped the derailed train by kicking out windows, passenger Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7.

&quot;All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill,&quot; Karnes said. &quot;The next thing we know, we&#39;re being slammed into the front of our seats, windows are breaking, we stop, and there&#39;s water gushing out of the train. People were screaming.&quot;

The derailment occurred on the first day Amtrak trains began using a new inland route between the cities of Tacoma and Olympia, part of a project to reduce travel time, according to an October news release from the state&#39;s transportation department.

The rerouting takes trains along Interstate 5, eliminating a major choke point for passenger trains in Tacoma and allowing trains to reach speeds of 79 miles per hour (127 km per hour), the department has said.

Monday&#39;s train, which had been scheduled to depart Seattle at 6 a.m. (1400 GMT) for Portland, Oregon, was the first to run along the new route, which uses tracks owned by a local commuter line.

It was not immediately clear whether the derailment, which came during a busy travel time one week before the Christmas holiday, was connected to the rerouting.

The train derailed around 7:30 a.m. (1530 GMT) in DuPont. A photograph posted by a Washington State Police spokeswoman showed an upside-down train car partially crushed on the highway, with a second car dangling off the overpass.

Authorities warned drivers to avoid the area, and southbound lanes remained closed.

The National Transportation Safety Board was sending a team of investigators to the site, the federal agency said on Twitter.

&quot;Thank you to the first responders on the scene,&quot; Washington Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a Twitter message. &quot;We&#39;re praying for everyone on board the train, and ask everyone to hold them in your thoughts.&quot;

The mayor of one of the towns through which the rerouted trains travel warned earlier this month that the high-speed trains were dangerously close to cars and pedestrians.

&quot;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,&quot; Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson told transportation officials in early December, according to Seattle&#39;s KOMO News.

Part of the train came crashing down onto a major highway

An Amtrak passenger train derailed on Monday during its inaugural run along a faster route through Washington state, sending part of the train crashing down onto a major highway and killing an unknown number of passengers, authorities said. The derailment caused "multiple fatalities," Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the local sheriff's office, told reporters at the scene, though he did not offer a specific number. The train struck several cars on the highway, he added, causing injuries but no additional deaths. Seventy-seven people were transported to hospitals in Pierce and Thurston counties, the Tacoma-based CHI Franciscan Health healthcare network said in a statement. Four of them were considered "level red" patients with the most severe injuries. Approximately 78 passengers and five crew members were aboard the train, Amtrak said in a statement. People escaped the derailed train by kicking out windows, passenger Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7. "All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill," Karnes said. "The next thing we know, we're being slammed into the front of our seats, windows are breaking, we stop, and there's water gushing out of the train. People were screaming." The derailment occurred on the first day Amtrak trains began using a new inland route between the cities of Tacoma and Olympia, part of a project to reduce travel time, according to an October news release from the state's transportation department. The rerouting takes trains along Interstate 5, eliminating a major choke point for passenger trains in Tacoma and allowing trains to reach speeds of 79 miles per hour (127 km per hour), the department has said. Monday's train, which had been scheduled to depart Seattle at 6 a.m. (1400 GMT) for Portland, Oregon, was the first to run along the new route, which uses tracks owned by a local commuter line. It was not immediately clear whether the derailment, which came during a busy travel time one week before the Christmas holiday, was connected to the rerouting. The train derailed around 7:30 a.m. (1530 GMT) in DuPont. A photograph posted by a Washington State Police spokeswoman showed an upside-down train car partially crushed on the highway, with a second car dangling off the overpass. Authorities warned drivers to avoid the area, and southbound lanes remained closed. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending a team of investigators to the site, the federal agency said on Twitter. "Thank you to the first responders on the scene," Washington Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a Twitter message. "We're praying for everyone on board the train, and ask everyone to hold them in your thoughts." The mayor of one of the towns through which the rerouted trains travel warned earlier this month that the high-speed trains were dangerously close to cars and pedestrians. "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," Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson told transportation officials in early December, according to Seattle's KOMO News.

US: Amtrak train on new route derails in Washington state, several killed

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