Cremated remains dropped over Safeco Field prompt scare

A low-flying plane dropped a container of a man's cremated ashes over the Mariners' ballpark Friday, prompting a hazardous materials scare.

The container was dropped from a Cessna operated by a company four miles from Safeco Field.

The object was seen hitting the stadium roof shortly after 10 a.m., said Seattle Fire Lt. Harold Webb.

Hazardous materials crews closed the streets around the stadium. No one on the ground was hurt, and the streets were reopened in about an hour.

"There was a spouse on board and her husband was a pilot and a giant Mariners fan, and wanted some of his ashes scattered over Safeco Field," Dave Menzimer, a Wings Aloft flight instructor, told KIRO TV. "We've spoken to the FAA. There were no rules violations. The pilot was talking to the tower while all this was going on."

FAA regional spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the agency would investigate and could enforce fines against the company or suspension of the pilot's license.

"We're certainly not pleased," Mariners spokesman Tim Hevly said before Seattle played Baltimore on Friday night.

-- AP