Bridge Collapse in Montana Sends Freight Train Carrying Hazardous Materials Into Yellowstone River

Bridge Collapse in Montana Sends Freight Train Carrying Hazardous Materials into Yellowstone River

COLUMBUS, Mont. – A bridge spanning the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed early Saturday morning, causing portions of a freight train carrying hazardous materials to plunge into the rushing water 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 6 a.m. accident. An Associated Press reporter on the scene observed a yellow substance leaking from some of the tank cars.

David Stamey, the chief of emergency services for Stillwater County, assured that there was no immediate danger for the crews working at the site, as the hazardous material was being diluted by the swollen river. Currently, there are three asphalt cars and four sulfur cars in the river. Fortunately, the train crew is safe, and no injuries have been reported, stated Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland.

Railroad crews have been dispatched to the scene in Stillwater County, near the town of Columbus, approximately 40 miles west of Billings. The area is located in a sparsely populated section of the Yellowstone River Valley, surrounded by ranches and farmland. It is important to note that the river flows away from Yellowstone National Park, which is about 110 miles southwest of the incident.

Garland emphasized the commitment to addressing any potential impacts resulting from the incident and understanding the reasons behind the bridge collapse. Meanwhile, the collapse also caused damage to a fiber-optic cable that provides internet service to numerous customers in the state, according to high-speed provider Global Net. The company’s phone line recording stated that this disruption affects all Global Net customers, with connectivity either being down or extremely slow.

In neighboring Yellowstone County, officials have implemented emergency measures at water treatment plants due to the possibility of a hazardous materials spill. They have also urged residents to conserve water. The cause of the bridge collapse is currently under investigation. Although the river was swollen due to recent heavy rains, it remains unclear whether this was a contributing factor.

The Yellowstone River experienced record flooding in 2022, resulting in extensive damage to Yellowstone National Park and nearby towns in Montana. Robert Bea, a retired engineering professor from the University of California Berkeley, who has analyzed numerous major disasters, suggested that repeated years of heavy river flows could be a clue to the possible cause. Bea explained that the high water flow exerts significant forces on the pier and river bottom, potentially leading to erosion or scour that weakens the foundation. These high forces increase the likelihood of a structural or foundation failure, which could trigger an accident.

It is worth noting that an old highway bridge, known as the Twin Bridges, which ran parallel to the railroad bridge, was removed in 2021 after the Montana Department of Transportation deemed it at risk of collapsing. The construction date and last inspection of the railroad bridge are currently unknown. Investigators will also examine the bridge components for wear, rust, and review the maintenance, repair, and inspection records.

Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration are present at the scene to assist with the investigation. Kelly Hitchcock of the Columbus Water Users took immediate action to shut off the flow of river water into an irrigation ditch downstream from the collapsed bridge to prevent the tank car contents from reaching nearby farmland. The Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office alerted the group about the collapse on Saturday morning.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted that sulfur is a common element used as a fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide.

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Johnson reported from Seattle.

What steps will Montana Rail Link and other relevant agencies take to prevent future bridge collapses and ensure the safety of railway infrastructure and surrounding communities

E bridge collapse is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that heavy rainfall and high water levels may have contributed to the incident.

Emergency response teams are working diligently to contain any potential environmental impact from the spilled hazardous materials. Booms and other containment measures have been implemented to prevent further spread of the substances in the river. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been alerted and is closely monitoring the situation.

Local authorities are advising residents to avoid contact with the river water until further notice and to follow instructions from emergency officials. The shutdown of drinking water intakes downstream is expected to continue as a precautionary measure until the potential danger has been thoroughly assessed.

Efforts are also being made to restore internet service to affected customers following the damage to the fiber-optic cable. Global Net is working to address the issue as quickly as possible and apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

Montana Rail Link and other relevant agencies will be conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse. Steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure the safety of both railway infrastructure and the surrounding communities.

In the meantime, residents are urged to stay updated on the situation through local news sources and to cooperate with authorities as necessary. The focus remains on containing any potential hazards and minimizing the impact on the environment and nearby communities.