Train carrying dangerous material crashes into Yellowstone River – Unknown liquid observed leaking.

A Bridge Collapse Sends Freight Train Plunging into Yellowstone River

In a dramatic overnight incident, a bridge spanning the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed, causing a portion of a freight train, including cars carrying hazardous material, to plummet into the water below.

The good news is that the train crew is safe and no injuries have been reported, according to Andy Garland, spokesman for the Montana Rail Link.

Garland revealed that “several” tank cars are now partially submerged in the river, with railroad crews already on the scene near the town of Columbus, just 40 miles west of Billings.

An Associated Press reporter witnessed a mysterious yellow liquid pouring out of the tank cars, although the specific substances on board have not yet been identified by Garland.

The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation, and the incident occurred in a sparsely populated area within the picturesque Yellowstone River Valley, approximately 110 miles northeast of Yellowstone National Park.

The Montana Disaster and Emergency Services have been notified and are closely monitoring the situation.

Garland assured that they are fully committed to addressing any potential impacts resulting from this incident and are determined to understand the reasons behind the accident.

Recent heavy rains have caused the river to swell, but it remains unclear whether this contributed to the bridge collapse.

Kelly Hitchcock of the Columbus Water Users took immediate action by shutting off the flow of river water into an irrigation ditch downstream from the collapsed bridge, preventing any contents from the tank cars from reaching nearby farmland.

Hitchcock revealed that the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office alerted their group about the collapse, stating that petroleum-related products were leaking into the river.

He expressed hope that minimal or no spilled material would make its way into the ditch, stating, “Looks like most of it is going to go past, so it’s going to be the next town.”

Hitchcock speculated that the removal of an old highway bridge adjacent to the railroad bridge several years ago may have altered the river’s flow and scoured the bottom of the railroad bridge during last year’s floods.

In 2022, the Yellowstone River experienced record flooding, causing significant damage to Yellowstone National Park and nearby towns in Montana.

Please note that The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have made alterations to ensure it meets our editorial standards.

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