Washington train derailment: Three dead and dozens injured as carriage plummets on to US motorway

At least three people have been killed after a train carriage derailed and plummeted on to a motorway in Washington state.

Dozens of people were also injured after the train car fell from an overpass and landed on the road outside Seattle.

Authorities confirmed on Monday evening that three people had died, although the number was expected to rise.

Some 77 people have been rushed to hospital after the crash, officials said.

It was Amtrak's first passenger service to run on a new, shortened route.

Shocking images show the Amtrak train dangling over the road, which is used by tens of thousands of vehicles daily.

The train derailed on a journey between Portland and Seattle at about 7.30am.

At least 75 people were on board the train before the crash and it was travelling at more than 80mph, according to reports.

Passenger Chris Karnes told local news outlet KIRO 7 that passengers were forced to kick out train windows in order to escape because emergency doors were not functioning properly after the derailment.

"We had just passed the city of DuPont and it seemed like we were going around a curve," Karnes said. "All of a sudden, we felt this rocking and creaking noise, and it felt like we were heading down a hill."

"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," he added.

Donald Trump tweeted that the crash showed the need for his forthcoming infrastructure plan for the US.

The US President wrote on Twitter: "The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly.

"Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!"

He later added that his thoughts and prayers were with those involved.

Washington's governor has declared a state of emergency in two counties.

The train firm said in statement: "Amtrak is aware of an incident with Train 501, Cascades service from Seattle to Portland.

"Emergency services are on the scene and Amtrak management is responding. Some injuries are reported."

It was not immediately clear if the carriage fell onto any cars below.

The National Transportation Safety Board said on Twitter that it was gathering information about the incident.

"Thank you to the first responders on the scene. We're praying for everyone on board the train, and ask everyone to hold them in your thoughts," Washington Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a Twitter message.