Death Toll Rising in Mudslide

Searchers found five more bodies Sunday in the tangled sludge of a massive landslide in rural Washington state, bringing the death toll to at least eight from the wall of debris that swept through a small riverside neighborhood.

Snohomish County sheriff's Lt. Rob Palmer says four more bodies were discovered late Sunday. Earlier in the day, authorities said one body had been found on the debris field. Three people were already confirmed dead on Saturday.

Earlier Sunday, authorities said at least 18 people were missing, but that count came before additional bodies were discovered.

The 1-square-mile mudslide that struck Saturday morning also critically injured several people and destroyed about 30 homes.

Snohomish County Fire District 21 Chief Travis Hots says crews were able to get to the muddy, tree-strewn area after geologists flew over in a helicopter and determined it was safe enough for emergency responders and technical rescue personnel to search for possible survivors.

Searchers continued looking into the night.