Freight train plunges into Yellowstone River sparking fears of hazardous spoll

tod evans

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Freight train plunges into Yellowstone River after bridge collapse, sparking fears of hazardous spill as residents are told to conserve water


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...one-River-sparking-fears-hazardous-spill.html


Montana residents have been warned to conserve water after a freight train potentially carrying hazardous materials collapsed into the Yellowstone River.

A large emergency response has been seen in the area, amid concerns of a toxic spill after the bridge collapsed early on Saturday morning.

It was initially feared oil or petroleum was contained in the cargo train, but the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office said it was later determined they contained asphalt and 'a second substance that officials are working to confirm'.

Water treatment facilities throughout the area have introduced emergency measures due to the crisis. Despite warnings to conserve water, officials said there is currently no threat to life in the area.

The toxic spill comes months after a cargo train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio sparked mass evacuations as residents were subjected to painful side effects to another hazardous runoff.


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A statement re-posted by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Department on social media confirmed no injuries have been reported in the incident.

'A total of 8 rail cars are involved and in a great stroke of luck, none contained oil,' the post said.

'The cars contained asphalt and a second substance that officials are working to confirm. Both of the substances are described as “slow moving” and have not gone much past the initial scene.

'The public is asked to stay away from the (scene) to prevent congestion.'

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department also warned locals to avoid water from certain parts of the river.

'From Indian Point to Buffalo Mirage, avoid water due to possible contact with contaminants,' the department tweeted.

A multi-agency effort was on the scene Saturday, including Stillwater County Emergency Services, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and Columbus Fire & Rescue.

Around eight carriages on the freight train fell into the water, and officials said it contained asphalt and an unknown substance still being investigated

Locals have been warned to conserve water while treatment companies have introduced emergency precautions

Water treatment facilities in Laurel, Billings and Lockwood shut down their headgates in response to the potentially toxic spill.

The Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services department said irrigation canal companies are also implementing protective measures.

According to the Billings Gazette, the train fell into the water after a bridge it was crossing collapsed under the weight of the carriages.

The outlet claimed the bridge had recently been battered by high water levels as a result of storms in the south-central Montana area.

The potential toxic spill comes months after a similar incident in East Palestine, Ohio, sparked mass evacuations when hazardous chemicals leaked from another train derailment.

Locals reported side effects including eye and throat irritation, and some even claimed pets had died due top the toxic fumes. The chemicals on board the Ohio derailment were not the same as those from Saturday's incident in Montana.
 
Notice that no mention in the media talking points of what railroad this is.

They learned from the last one that corporate 'murika doesn't like one of their corporate partners to take too much heat from the public.

Also, an unknown "second substance" is pure BS.

EVERYONE at the railroad knows damn well what the train is carrying in each car.
 
Notice that no mention in the media talking points of what railroad this is.

I would say that was nice of them, given that this bridge is owned by little Montana Rail Link. But the BNSF has trackage rights over it, and this may well have been one of their trains.

The bridge is just over a hundred years old. A nearby highway bridge over the Yellowstone was taken down because the river had eaten away its supports.
 
The only chemicals in the train are molten sulfur and asphalt. Both have basically turned into big rocks by now. Restrictions on water use downstream were lifted.
 
From another forum I frequent...

I spoke with a friend working up in Whitefish, and he tells me that they are trying to get 53 trains a day over track that can only do 34 trains a day at best! Flathead tunnel has both speed and smoke evacuation limits that restrict the number of trains. They are also trying to find creative ways to get crews onto the Laurel Great Falls line for the duration. At the moment, engineering is on site and they are saying one month until trains roll across the Yellowstone again. I am thinking it may take longer...
 
Less than a month and the new bridge is open.

Without government, who will drag out a month long bridge construction project to two years?
 
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