Train Derailment Near Burlington, Washington: 7 Cars Go Off Tracks

Freight Cars Derail — Seven freight cars derailed near Burlington, Washington, on Sunday. In this image, workers begin to clean up the wreckage of an overturned freight train in Ellicott City, Maryland, Aug. 21, 2012. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

At least seven freight train cars derailed near Burlington, Washington, on Sunday evening.

The incident happened near S Spruce St and Greenleaf Ave railroad crossings, which is where the trains usually switch cars, reported local news website Goskagit. The trains were travelling at a slow speed when the incident occurred. The cause behind the derailment is under investigation.

The BNSF Railway Company told Q13 FOX the train cars were empty at the time of derailment. The trains were earlier carrying lumber and woodchips. The company added there were no spills and no hazmat presence.

In a Facebook post, the Burlington Police Department said there were no injuries or outside property damage due to the derailment.

They added the roads along S Walnut St, S Spruce St, and Greenleaf Ave were blocked due to the incident, with no specific estimated time given for reopening. The roads will be probably closed well into the morning; therefore, the police have asked people to avoid the area and to use a different route. S Burlington Blvd, and SR 20 roads will still be open.