In brief: Train derails on main line from Spokane to Seattle
WILSON CREEK, Wash. – A 110-car train carrying corn from Florence, Minn., to Seattle has derailed near Wilson Creek, about 50 miles east of Quincy, Wash.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas said the train derailed about 9:20 a.m. Saturday on the main line between Spokane and Seattle. He said 24 cars derailed and about half spilled their loads. The cause has not been determined.
Melonas said no one was injured and the corn spill will not have an environmental impact. He said crews will work through the night and hope to have the track reopened by Sunday afternoon.
Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell said passengers from two Amtrak trains will be bused between Seattle and Spokane until the track is reopened.
Bill restricts shackling of pregnant inmates
OLYMPIA – State lawmakers have passed a bill that restricts the use of shackles on pregnant inmates.
The bill bans the use of all restraints on inmates who are in labor or post-delivery recovery. It also limits restraints on pregnant inmates who are being transported to medical care or court proceedings while in the third trimester of pregnancy.
The measure was proposed after a former inmate sued the state last year, saying her constitutional rights were violated when she was shackled while in labor.
The measure was approved 95-1 by the House on Saturday and now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire for approval.
Police personal details can be kept from public
OLYMPIA – Washington’s Legislature has passed a measure that would exempt the personal information of criminal justice employees from general public records requests.
The bill exempts birth date information and photographs that could be used to locate or identify the employees of criminal justice agencies, including courts and police departments.
The information would still be available to news media organizations.
The bill was approved unanimously by the House on Saturday afternoon and awaits the governor’s final approval.
Body may have been in snowbank for months
ESSEX, Mont. – Authorities say the frozen body of a man found in a snowbank near the northwestern Montana town of Essex appears to have been there for months.
Flathead County Undersheriff Pete Wingert said a man out for a walk spotted the body in a melting snowbank in a secluded area.
Wingert said there was no obvious cause of death. The man appeared to be in his 20s.
Wingert said dental records will be used to try to identify the man because of the condition of the body.
He said a pack with a train ticket and other items was found nearby and may provide clues.
The body has been taken to a Columbia Falls mortuary.