Trump: Amtrak crash shows why we need infrastructure plan

President Trump on Monday used an Amtrak derailment in Washington state to push his forthcoming plan for U.S. infrastructure.

“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,” Trump said.

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

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017

In a second tweet 10 minutes later, Trump sent his condolences to people affected by the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the train accident in DuPont, Washington. Thank you to all of our wonderful First Responders who are on the scene. We are currently monitoring here at the White House.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017

The tweets from the president came hours after a derailment on the Interstate 5, south of Seattle. The Amtrak train reportedly derailed as it was traveling over a highway overpass. An image posted to Twitter shows train cars both on the highway and hanging off the overpass.

{mosads}An official with the Washington State Patrol declined to provide additional information about injuries and fatalities during a news conference.

The Trump administration is preparing a $1 trillion infrastructure effort that is supposed to be unveiled next month.