4 train cars full of dirt derail in south Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — Union Pacific says four rail cars full of dirt derailed midday Friday in south Seattle and blocked automobile traffic for about an hour.

Railway spokesman Mark Davis says the cause of the derailment is still under investigation. It happened just before 11:30 a.m. and blocked East Marginal Way, a major north-south artery through the city, for about an hour.

Traffic was backed up for several miles on the road also known as State Route 99.

The Seattle Fire Department says no one was injured in the derailment.

Davis says it happened while rail cars were being moved around the rail yard and did not impact freight train traffic.