Deadly Amtrak train derailment in Washington state

A U.S. official says a train derailment outside of Seattle has killed at least three 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 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. (AP)

For the latest, see the live blog >>>

_____

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.