US bridge collapse leads to freight train plunging into river.

A Dramatic Incident: Bridge Collapse Sends Freight Train Into River

In a shocking turn of events, a bridge that spans the majestic Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed early Saturday morning. The collapse resulted in portions of a freight train, carrying hazardous materials, plunging into the rushing waters below.

The train cars were transporting hot asphalt and molten sulfur, according to Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services. As a precautionary measure, officials shut down drinking water intakes downstream while they assessed the potential danger following the accident. An Associated Press reporter on the scene witnessed a yellow substance leaking from some of the tank cars.

Fortunately, there was no immediate danger for the crews working at the site, as confirmed by David Stamey, the county’s chief of emergency services. He reassured that the hazardous material was being diluted by the swollen river. However, it was reported that three asphalt cars and four sulfur cars ended up in the river.

Thankfully, the train crew was unharmed, and no injuries were reported, according to Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland.

Garland explained that both the asphalt and sulfur solidify quickly when exposed to cooler temperatures, minimizing the risk of further contamination.

Railroad crews swiftly arrived at the scene in Stillwater County, near the town of Columbus, which is approximately 40 miles west of Billings. This area is nestled in the picturesque Yellowstone River Valley, surrounded by vast ranches and farmland.

It is worth noting that the river flows away from Yellowstone National Park, located about 110 miles southwest. Therefore, any potential pollution resulting from the accident will flow away from the park as well.

“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,” stated Garland, emphasizing their dedication to resolving the situation.

Furthermore, the bridge collapse had an additional consequence. It caused the destruction of a fiber-optic cable that provided internet service to numerous customers in the state, as reported by high-speed provider Global Net.

“This is the major fiber route…through Montana,” a recording on the company’s phone line informed customers. “This is affecting all Global Net customers. Connectivity will either be down or extremely slow.”

In neighboring Yellowstone County, officials took emergency measures at water treatment plants due to the potential hazardous material spill. They also urged residents to conserve water during this critical time.

Transportation System Woes

This bridge collapse is the latest in a series of high-profile problems plaguing the U.S. transportation system. It follows the catastrophic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, which had severe consequences for local residents. Additionally, a section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia collapsed on June 11.

These incidents, along with air traffic delays during the holidays, have put Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg under intense public scrutiny.

The cause of the Montana collapse is currently under investigation. While the river was swollen due to recent heavy rains, it remains unclear whether that played a role in the incident.

Record flooding in 2022 had already caused extensive damage to Yellowstone National Park and adjacent towns in Montana. Robert Bea, a retired engineering professor at the University of California Berkeley, who has analyzed the causes of numerous major disasters, suggested that the repeated years of heavy river flows could be a contributing factor.

“The high water flow translates to high forces acting directly on the pier and, importantly, on the river bottom,” explained Bea. “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.”

Interestingly, an old highway bridge that ran parallel to the railroad bridge, collectively known as the Twin Bridges, was removed in 2021 due to the imminent danger of collapse, as determined by the Montana Department of Transportation. The construction date and the last inspection date of the railroad bridge are yet to be confirmed.

Bea highlighted that investigators would also examine the condition of bridge components, including wear and rust, as well as the maintenance, repair, and inspection records.

Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration were present at the scene, collaborating with local authorities to investigate the incident.

Kelly Hitchcock of the Columbus Water Users took swift action to prevent the contents of the tank cars from reaching nearby farmland. She shut off the flow of river water into an irrigation ditch downstream from the collapsed bridge. The Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office alerted the group about the collapse, ensuring prompt action.

It is worth noting that sulfur, one of the hazardous materials involved, is commonly used as a fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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