House with people inside in Washington mudslide

OSO, Wash. (AP) — A mudslide carried a house with people inside across a road in rural Snohomish County on Saturday, but it's unclear how many people are inside the house and their conditions, the Washington State Patrol said.

The Washington Department of Transportation says mud, trees and building materials are blocking both directions of State Route 530 near the town of Oso.

Trooper Mark Francis said the mudslide, which happened just before 11 a.m. about 55 miles north of Seattle, is estimated to be a mile long.

Heavy rain over this past week likely contributed to the mudslide. Saturday's weather was sunny and clear.

The Daily Herald reported that as of 1 p.m., officials were moving rescuers back from the scene, citing concerns of the North Fork Stilliguamish River rising because of the mudslide.

"Initial reports were that a house was stuck in the slide, and someone was calling for help inside," Francis said.

Reports of more houses involved in the slide could not be immediately confirmed.

Search-and-rescue operations are underway by Snohomish County crews and the Washington State Patrol.

Spokesman Bart Treece of the Washington State Department of Transportation said he doesn't know how long the two-lane rural road will be closed. Drivers are advised to find another way to get between Darrington and Arlington, he said.

"We're standing by ready to help out where we can," Treece said.