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Shop NowOn Saturday, June 24, yet another train load of toxins derailed, collapsing a bridge across the Yellowstone River. “Multiple cars” ended up in the water below, Stillwater County officials relate. “Multiple tanker cars were damaged” and they’re leaking “petroleum products.”
Yellowstone River bridge collapse
Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services reported Saturday that the train operated by Montana Rail Link derailed around 6 a.m. as the bridge collapsed.
The train included “several hazmat cars,” according to a statement from the company. Thankfully, “the train crew is safe and no injuries have been reported.”
According to Montana Rail Link, “the safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority. We are committed to addressing any potential impacts to the area as a result of this incident and working to understand the reasons behind the accident.”
🚨 #BREAKING: A large emergency response is underway after a freight train collapsed into the Yellowstone River in Montana
“Hazardous materials” are feared to be spilling into the river, and officials are are warning residents to begin limiting water usage IMMEDIATELY pic.twitter.com/bIbB3PDeEk
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 24, 2023
Meanwhile, Yellowstone County officials assured the public there was “no immediate threat” and that “precautions are being put in place.”
This is a developing story and so far, the cause of the disaster hasn’t been determined. Authorities are requesting that local residents “keep away from the areas around the Yellowstone River Rail Bridge.”
With toxic waste pouring into the river, “local fishing accesses will be closed.” Also, “Water treatment plants, irrigation districts, and industrial companies are taking appropriate precautions.”
Please conserve water
Until disaster crews can get a handle on the situation, Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services “has asked people living in the area to conserve water.” Spokesperson Tammie Mullikin explains that “notifications have been made to all required agencies.”
On top of that, “safety and hazard mitigation efforts have been implemented in response to the incident.”
They’re doing their best to get a handle on the situation before it gets much worse. “We have formally established a unified command and are using the incident command system.”
Yellowstone County’s Unified Command is working together with the rail operator “to determine the most appropriate steps to ensure a safe resolution to this incident.”
🚨#BREAKING: Train derails into Yellowstone River after bridge collapsed sparking fears of hazardous spills
Currently A large emergency response is underway after a freight train fell into the Yellowstone River near Laurel, Montana. The train was crossing… pic.twitter.com/4VWyC2lLOY
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 24, 2023
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte tweeted out a quick message that he’s aware of the derailment. “The state is standing by to support as Montana Rail Link and county officials assess their needs.”
Yellowstone County officials seem to be on top of it but he’ll make sure that they get everything they need. Montana Rail Link is noted to be a smaller “Class II regional railroad that operates over 900 route miles of tracks across Montana and Idaho.” This is a developing story and more details will be provided as they become available.
