SEATTLE, Wash. – An Amtrak Cascades train partially derailed early Tuesday morning just north of Everett, Washington, after colliding with a landslip that had slumped across the tracks.
The incident, which occurred around 7:15 a.m. PST, involved northbound Train 510, operating from Portland to Vancouver, B.C. Officials confirmed that while no cars overturned, several wheels on the locomotive and at least two passenger cars left the rails.
Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene. “There were 124 passengers and crew on board,” said a spokesperson for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. “We are currently assessing passengers. A small number of minor injuries, consistent with a sudden stop, have been reported.”
Service on the vital Pacific Northwest rail corridor is now at a standstill between Seattle and Vancouver. The tracks in this area, owned by BNSF Railway, are notoriously vulnerable to landslips during heavy rain, which has battered the region for the past 48 hours.
BNSF and Amtrak have suspended all service indefinitely along the affected segment. “Our crews are on-site working to clear the debris and inspect the track structure for safety,” a BNSF spokesperson stated. “The line will not reopen until it is declared safe.”
Why This Matters to Travelers
This derailment highlights a persistent challenge for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest. The main line, which runs along the coast, is frequently shut down by mudslides. These closures, often lasting 24-48 hours for safety inspections, create havoc for passenger and freight schedules.
What Happens Next
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is expected to dispatch an investigative team.
For now, Amtrak has canceled all Cascades trains north of Seattle for the remainder of Tuesday. The passenger service is currently working to establish a “bus bridge” to transport ticketed passengers between Seattle and stations further north. Travelers are urged to check Amtrak.com for the latest service alerts before heading to the station.
Quick Facts & Traveler Q&A
What happened? Amtrak Cascades Train 510 struck a landslip near Everett, Wash., causing a partial derailment. The incident occurred Tuesday morning, resulting in minor injuries and a complete suspension of service.
Is my train canceled? All Amtrak Cascades services between Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C., are suspended. Service between Seattle and Portland remains operational but may experience residual delays.
What routes are affected?
| Route Segment | Status | Passenger Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, B.C. – Seattle | Suspended | Bus bridge pending |
| Seattle – Portland | Operational | Potential delays |