Yellowstone bridge collapses, sends freight train into river

June 24, 2023

A freight train has caused a fright in Montana after derailing into the Yellowstone River following an overnight bridge collapse.

The bridge crumbled and sent portions of the train, including some cars potentially carrying hazardous material, plunging into the water below.

“I’m monitoring the train derailment in Stillwater County, and the state is standing by to support as Montana Rail Link and county officials assess their needs,” Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Saturday on Twitter.

“There is no immediate threat to Yellowstone County,” the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office posted to social media, adding, “Precautions are being put in place.”

A total of eight rail cars were involved and, despite initial reports, none contained oil, the Stillwater County News reported.

Emergency crews responded to the scene where several train cars landed in the Yellowstone River after a bridge collapse. — Emergency crews responded to the scene where several train cars landed in the Yellowstone River after a bridge collapse near Columbus, Mont. Saturday.

The cars were shuttling asphalt and another substance that officials are working to identify but described them as “slow moving” and not spreading much, according to Columbus Fire Chief Rich Cowger and county Department of Emergency Services Chief David Stamey.

Residents have nonetheless been told to conserve water and treatment plants have introduced emergency measures, the Daily Mail reported.

The train crew was safe and no injuries were reported after the bridge collapse, according to the Montana Rail Link.

Boat ramps and fishing spots downstream were shut off by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department.

Train cars carrying asphalt and another material fell into the Yellowstone River after a bridge collapse.

Kelly Hitchcock of the Columbus Water Users closes an irrigation ditch downriver from where a bridge collapsed and sent eight train cars plunging into the waters. — Kelly Hitchcock of the Columbus Water Users closes an irrigation ditch just downriver from a bridge collapse at the Yellowstone River in Montana.

The scene of the wreck is in a sparsely populated area in the Yellowstone River Valley, about 110 miles northeast of Yellowstone National Park.

The Montana scare comes after the February derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, which released a toxic plume and contaminated local streams.

It killed thousands of fish, sickened pets and wildlife, and sparked health concerns among the nearby residents.

With Post wires