Amtrak train struck by landslide near Everett

EVERETT — An Amtrak train was hit by a landslide near Everett Sunday morning. A spokesman for Burlington Northern, which manages the tracks, said mud, trees, rocks and other debris hit a train traveling south from Everett to Seattle and knocked three cars off the tracks. There were 50 passengers on the train that originated in Chicago. No one was hurt. The train is the northern continuation of the Empire Builder operated by Amtrak. The train heads from Chicago to Spokane, arriving roughly at 1:40 a.m. From Spokane it divides, with four cars going down the Columbia River valley to Portland. The other cars cross the Cascades in the early hours, reaching Everett and eventually Seattle. Burlington Northern’s Gus Melonas said the cars that derailed were a dining car and two coach cars and were the last three on the train. The derailed cars were disconnected, and the passengers were taken to Mukilteo, where they were transferred to a bus bound for Seattle, according to BNSF and Amtrak Amtrak says service between Seattle to Everett will be disrupted until 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. Alternate transportation will be provided. Northline Sounder service is also canceled Monday and Tuesday. Special express buses will be provided. Service information.