Mudslides close train line in Wash state

A mudslide causes a freight train to derail in Washington state and closed commuter rail service outside Seattle, transportation officials said. Amtrak and Sounder Northline commuter trains between Mukilteo and Everett, Wash., have been halted as workers clear about 6 feet of mud off a 30-foot section of track north of Seattle, a train company spokesman said. The mud derailed a 66-car Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train hauling household and other goods, spilling soap and sanitizer containers Monday night. No injuries were reported, The Seattle Times said Wednesday. BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said mudslides in the area are common and the company works year-round to secure loose ground surrounding the train line, which runs north 150 miles to Vancouver, British Columbia. "This year has been a challenge, but we've seen worse years," Melonas said.