A train carrying hazardous materials derailed Saturday morning in Montana, causing a bridge to collapse and sending multiple rail cars into the Yellowstone River.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. local time near Columbus, Montana, in Stillwater County, local officials said.
Eight tanker cars were damaged and were leaking petroleum products near the Yellowstone River, in response to the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
The rail cars, that are owned by Montana Rail Link (MRL), were hauling asphalt and molten sulfur, in response to a report from the Stillwater County News. “Each of the substances are described as ‘slow moving’ and haven’t gone much past the initial scene,” said Columbus Fire Chief Wealthy Cowger and County DES Chief David Stamey.
“Resources are being dispatched and multiple agencies are assisting,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “There is no such thing as a immediate threat to Yellowstone County. Precautions are being put in place. Local fishing accesses might be closed. Water treatment plants, irrigation districts and industrial firms are taking appropriate precautions. We are going to update with information because it is received.”
Multiple local, state and federal agencies are responding to the scene.
No injuries were reported. The explanation for the derailment is under investigation.
MRL is a Class II regional railroad that operates over 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho, in response to its website.
Since 1987, the corporate has held an agreement with BSNF Railway by which MRL leased and operated mainline tracks from BNSF between Huntley, Montana, and Sandpoint, Idaho.
In March, the Surface Transportation Board approved a petition by MRL to finish the agreement and permit BSNF to take over MRL’s operations. The transition is predicted to be complete by the top of the yr. A report from Trains.com estimated the buyout at around $2 billion.
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