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Train carrying pollutants falls from bridge in Yellowstone River
Jun 28, 2023STILLWATER COUNTY, Montana: A freight train carrying hazardous materials fell into the Yellowstone River in Montana after a bridge collapsed.
Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services said the train cars were carrying hot asphalt and molten sulfur. Officials closed drinking water intakes downstream while they evaluated the danger after the accident.
“There was no immediate danger for the crews working at the site, and the hazardous material was being diluted by the swollen river,” said David Stamey, the county’s chief of emergency services.
In a statement, Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland said, “The train crew was safe and no injuries were reported. The asphalt and sulfur both solidify quickly when exposed to cooler temperatures.”
“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,” he added.
High-speed provider Global Net also said that the bridge collapse cut a fiber-optic cable providing internet service to many customers in the state.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation, but Robert Bea, retired engineering professor at the University of California Berkeley, said repeated years of heavy river flows could be the possible cause.
“The high water flow translates to high forces acting directly on the pier and, importantly, on the river bottom. You can have erosion or scour that removes support from the foundation. High forces translate to a high likelihood of a structural or foundation failure that could act as a trigger to initiate the accident,” he said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Federal Railroad Administration officials were at the scene working with local authorities.
“As part of our investigation, we have requested and will thoroughly review a copy of recent bridge inspection reports from the owner for compliance with federal Bridge Safety Standards,” the agency said in a statement, noting that inspections are the responsibilities of the bridge owners.
