Train derailment pollutes Yellowstone River

A Bridge Collapse and Train Derailment Shake Columbus, Montana

A devastating incident unfolded in Columbus, Montana, as a bridge collapse sent a train hurtling into the majestic Yellowstone River on Saturday. The catastrophe occurred under the cover of night on Friday, but it wasn’t until 6:00 a.m. the following day that the ill-fated train attempted to cross the now-collapsed bridge. The consequences were dire, with multiple tanker cars sustaining damage and leaking petroleum products perilously close to the Yellowstone River, as confirmed by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

“There is no immediate threat to Yellowstone County,” assured a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office. “Local Fishing Accesses will be closed.”

Meanwhile, the Yellowstone County Emergency and General Service issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to curtail their water usage in response to the calamity.

“On 06/24/2023 at about 07:45 AM, water treatment facilities in Laurel, Billings, and Lockwood, as well as the irrigation canal companies, have instituted emergency protective measures, including shutting down head gates, due to a potential hazmat spill into the Yellowstone River in neighboring Stillwater County,” read a press release.

The derailment involved a total of eight train cars, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Consequently, certain sections of the river have been closed off as a precautionary measure. The Stillwater County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office, Commissioners, Columbus Fire & Rescue, along with Montana Rail Link and other entities, are currently on-site, diligently working to uncover the cause behind the bridge collapse. Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) has also expressed his vigilance in monitoring the situation.

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