EDMONDS, WA — A train accident in Edmonds early this morning has disrupted travel and drawn significant emergency response, but authorities confirm that no fatalities have been reported as of this afternoon. The incident occurred near the Edmonds Amtrak station, a busy commuter and travel hub located along the scenic Puget Sound waterfront.
According to local officials, the accident involved a northbound freight train operated by BNSF Railway that collided with a vehicle on the tracks at a crossing near Dayton Street around 7:30 a.m.
The vehicle, a small sedan, was reportedly stalled or stuck on the tracks at the time of the collision. Emergency responders from the Edmonds Police Department, Edmonds Fire Department, and BNSF safety teams arrived quickly on the scene.
Miraculously, the driver of the vehicle escaped moments before the train struck, sustaining only minor injuries. They were evaluated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution. No injuries were reported among train crew members, and no passengers were onboard the freight train.
Edmonds Police Chief Michelle Bennett addressed the media at a late-morning press briefing. “We are thankful that today’s accident did not result in any loss of life,” she said.
“We want to emphasize the importance of adhering to all crossing signals and warnings. We’re currently investigating what led the vehicle to be stopped on the tracks.”
The crash caused substantial delays for morning commuters and temporarily halted rail traffic in both directions. Sound Transit and Amtrak were forced to cancel or reroute several services while crews assessed track conditions and began cleanup efforts.
By early afternoon, BNSF announced that one of the tracks had reopened and limited train service was resuming. Local businesses near the waterfront were affected as emergency vehicles restricted access to Dayton Street and Railroad Avenue.
Several bystanders reported feeling the impact from nearby cafes and shops. “It was loud—just a massive crunching noise, and then everything stopped,” said Lisa Tran, who works at a bakery across the street. “We all ran outside, worried something terrible had happened. It’s such a relief to hear no one died.”
Transportation officials are reviewing surveillance footage and train data logs to determine the exact sequence of events. Preliminary reports suggest that the crossing arms and warning lights were functioning properly at the time.
Investigators will also examine whether road conditions, driver error, or a mechanical issue played a role in the car becoming immobilized. The Edmonds community, though shaken, is expressing gratitude that the incident did not turn tragic.
Mayor Mike Nelson issued a statement late Monday afternoon, saying, “We’re incredibly grateful to our first responders and to the quick-thinking actions of the driver who escaped just in time. Accidents like this are a stark reminder of the need for caution around train tracks. Today could have been far worse.”
As cleanup continues and normal operations resume, authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area near the Edmonds station until all investigations are complete and traffic routes are fully reopened.
