At least three dead in massive Washington landslide, eight others injured

Saturday, March 22, 2014, 8:55 PM -

Authorities say a massive landslide in Washington state has killed three people, injured at least eight others and destroyed at least six houses. 

An estimated 1.6-kilometre-long slide of dirt, trees, rocks and other debris hit just before 11 a.m. Saturday in Snohomish County. 

Snohomish County spokeswoman Shari Ireton says a 6-month-old infant was among those injured. Authorities believe the slide was caused by ground water saturation from recent heavy rainfall. 

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The landslide has completely blocked State Route 530 near the town of Oso, about 90 kilometres north of Seattle. 

Also blocked is the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, which is expected to cause flooding in the area. 

Further details to come.

With files from The Associated Press