Montana Train Derailment Plunges Freight Cars Carrying Hazardous Materials to Yellowstone River

A bridge collapse in Montana derailed a freight train, plunging its cars carrying hazardous materials to the Yellowstone River.

The authorities confirmed that the freight train was transporting hazardous materials. However, it has not been determined whether it spilled into the river.

Montana Train Derailment

As per a report by USA Today, a bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed over the river early Saturday, causing the freight train to fall into the water. The train was carrying hot asphalt and molten sulfur, considered hazardous materials, confirms the Stillwater County chief of emergency services, David Stamey.

Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland says, "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."

After the derailment, garlands confirmed that "several" freight cars are currently submerged in the Yellowstone River. CBS News reports that the bridge collapse sent roughly three Montana Rail Link cars to the water.

Despite the hazardous substances in the freight train, the Montana Rail Link assured that both the sulfur and asphalt "solidify rapidly when exposed to cooler temperatures."

Meanwhile, two other cars, which carried other substances, such as an acid salt known as sodium hydrogen sulfate, were safe from submerging in the water. Fortunately, the derailment did not leave any injuries or casualties from its crew.

Cause of Bridge Collapse Still Under Investigation

As of this writing, authorities are still investigating the reason behind the tragic collapse of the bridge. USA Today notes that the Federal Railroad Administration officials have arrived at the scene. Meanwhile, the Montana Disaster Emergency Service received the notification regarding the incident.

Although heavy downpours have swollen the river, the reason for the sudden collapse of the bridge is still unclear. The cause of the bridge collapse is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been caused by heavy rains falling in the area. According to CGTN reports, authorities are still "unsure" which occurred first, the train's derailment or the bridge's collapse, according to local media.

After the incident, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office says officials have closed down local fishing accesses. On top of that, authorities have also taken extra precautions for treatment plans and irrigation districts.

Officials have shut down drinking water intakes downstream from the derailment as the incident is still under investigation. They are still assessing the potential danger brought by the recent accident.