Five things to know about the Amtrak derailment

Three people were killed and scores more were injured when an Amtrak train derailed near DuPont on Monday morning. Here are five things about the crash that people will be talking about today:

1. Speed could have been a factor.

Amtrak Train 501 was headed to Portland and going more than twice the speed limit when it jumped the tracks and ended up dangling over Interstate 5 near Mounts Road. The National Transportation Safety Board says a data recorder shows that the Amtrak was traveling 80 mph in a 30 mph zone. The cause of the crash is still undetermined.

2. It was the latest in a string of deadly Amtrak derailments.

CBS News reports that there have been about 10 major crashes in recent years. One of the deadliest was on May 12, 2015, when Amtrak Train 188 jumped the tracks during a curve in Philadelphia, killing eight people and injuring more than 200 others. That train was traveling more than twice the 50 mph speed limit.

3. The story made international headlines.

Dozens of reporters and photojournalists were at the media staging area near the derailment on Monday. Several reporters from The Olympian and The News Tribune were interviewed about their reporting during live feeds from television and radio networks around the globe, including the British Broadcasting Channel.

While we like Time’s collection of photos from the derailment, we think the label “outside of Seattle” is a geographical stretch: time.com/5070074/seattle-amtrak-deailment-photos.

4. Blood donors stepped up, but more is needed.

Bloodworks Northwest issued more than 150 units of blood in response to the Amtrak derailment, and stated the incident created “major demands on local supply.” The organization extended donation hours, and urged people to donate immediately.

“Due to your incredible response, our immediate need is met,” Bloodworks Northwest tweeted on Monday night. “…If you didn’t make it in today, donations in the next five days are critical to replenish local blood supply for the holidays.”

To schedule a donation, call 800-398-7888 or go to bloodworksnw.org.

5. Work from home, Skype with grandma or prepare for a lot of time in your car.

Southbound Interstate 5 is still closed near DuPont, so you’ll need to find a different route to get to Olympia from Pierce County. Roads through Roy and Yelm are super scary colors of red on traffic maps, which indicate that gridlock.

On Tuesday morning, the Washington State Department of Transportation was recommending the always-picturesque alternate route of state Route 16 to state Route 3. Sure, it’s a 65-mile detour, but you’ll have way more seafood options if you want to grab dinner on the way home.

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 10:17 AM with the headline "Five things to know about the Amtrak derailment."