EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - A mudslide hit railroad tracks early Thursday in the same area they were hit Feb. 22 at Everett.

In both cases the rails were quickly cleared by Burlington Northern Santa Fe crews for freight trains, but passenger trains have a 48-hour safety moratorium.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas (mel-OWN'-us) says the slide at 1:45 a.m. Thursday was detected by sensors that signaled a train to stop.

Mud, rock and trees covered about 20 feet of track about 5 feet deep. BNSF equipment cleared the track by 9 a.m. Melonas says 8 freight trains were delayed.

For safety reasons, Sound Transit and Amtrak passenger trains can't use railroad track for 48 hours after a mudslide. Rail passengers are taking buses.

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