The frequency of train derailments seems to be increasing as yet another train derails but this time is not carrying hazardous materials, rather it was hauling cases of beer which were thrown all over the sides of the Clark Fork River in western Montana.
On Sunday, twenty-five train cars jumped the tracks dumping thousands of cans of Coors Light beer and powdered clay all over the banks of the river. The cleanup may be a challenge as the derailment site is located in a “narrow, century-old tunnel with limited access,” according to officials on the scene.
Bill Naegeli is the Sanders County Disaster and Emergency Services manager and has said, “It’s a terrible spot to get in and out of. The biggest issue is the cars derailed inside the tunnel” which has a low clearance making the cleanup incredibly tricky.
The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District took to Facebook to issue a statement, “At 0931 we were paged for a train derailment across the river from Quinn’s Hot Springs on Hwy 135. We responded with 6 apparatus and 13 Firefighters. St Regis Fire sent an engine and Plains Community Ambulance responded."
(Image: Screengrab/Facebook)
“The coordinated effort with our resources and Montana Rail Link, we were able to identify the products involved and that there was no hazardous materials posing an immanent threat to public safety. Guests at the water front cabins were evacuated as a precaution,” the post reads. “The local MRL folks were on scene and on the tracks quickly assessing damage to the cars involved and any potential environmental concerns. The rail cars that reached the river were empty or carrying Coors Light and Blue Moon. (This is not floating down the river and is secured in the derailment area).”
The fire district added, “After the initial assessment by MRL, our rescue boat was utilized to transport Chief Russell and MRL across the river for a thorough assessment and air monitoring. The single rail car of concern was carrying propane. It was partially off the tracks but not leaking. Visual inspection and utilizing a gas meter did not detect any leaks."
The spokesperson for the Montana Rail Link, Andy Garland, released a statement on Monday describing efforts to contain any environmental contamination. “A boom was deployed across the river to secure any cans or bottles of beer that enter the water and to monitor for any possible diesel impacts after a small amount of fuel spilled on the dirt from two refrigerator cars that derailed," said Garland.
“MRL has been in communication with both local and federal authorities and will conduct any necessary site remediation, including impacted soil removal in coordination with DEQ,” Garland added.
The Montana Rail Link officials have launched an investigation on what caused the train to derail and reiterated there is no threat to public safety. “We are committed to addressing any impacts to the area as a result of this accident, prioritizing the safety of our employees and the public, and understanding the reasons for this incident.”
(Image: Screengrab/Facebook)
“The coordinated effort with our resources and Montana Rail Link, we were able to identify the products involved and that there was no hazardous materials posing an immanent threat to public safety. Guests at the water front cabins were evacuated as a precaution,” the post reads. “The local MRL folks were on scene and on the tracks quickly assessing damage to the cars involved and any potential environmental concerns. The rail cars that reached the river were empty or carrying Coors Light and Blue Moon. (This is not floating down the river and is secured in the derailment area).”
The fire district added, “After the initial assessment by MRL, our rescue boat was utilized to transport Chief Russell and MRL across the river for a thorough assessment and air monitoring. The single rail car of concern was carrying propane. It was partially off the tracks but not leaking. Visual inspection and utilizing a gas meter did not detect any leaks."
The spokesperson for the Montana Rail Link, Andy Garland, released a statement on Monday describing efforts to contain any environmental contamination. “A boom was deployed across the river to secure any cans or bottles of beer that enter the water and to monitor for any possible diesel impacts after a small amount of fuel spilled on the dirt from two refrigerator cars that derailed," said Garland.
“MRL has been in communication with both local and federal authorities and will conduct any necessary site remediation, including impacted soil removal in coordination with DEQ,” Garland added.
The Montana Rail Link officials have launched an investigation on what caused the train to derail and reiterated there is no threat to public safety. “We are committed to addressing any impacts to the area as a result of this accident, prioritizing the safety of our employees and the public, and understanding the reasons for this incident.”