(The Associated Press circulated the following article on November 22.)
EVERETT, Wash. — Freight, passenger and commuter train traffic between Everett and Seattle resumed early Tuesday as one of two sets of track was cleared following a derailment, a railroad representative said.
Ten rail cars loaded with wood products jumped the tracks early Monday, blocking the Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line just south of the old Everett train station.
One set of tracks was cleared about 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, enough to resume normal Amtrak passenger service and Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter trains as well as freight shipments, BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said.
Repair crews expected to reopen the second set of tracks later, possibly around 8 p.m. Tuesday, Melonas said.
Cause of the derailment remained under investigation but train handling has been ruled out as a factor. It occurred as the train was passing over a switch at 19 mph, well within the 25 mph speed limit, Melonas said.
No one was injured, no hazardous materials or toxic substances were involved and there was no risk of pollution, he added.