A bridge over Yellowstone River collapses, sending a freight train into the waters below

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In Montana, a bridge spanning the Yellowstone River experienced a collapse in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in a portion of a freight train, carrying hazardous materials, plunging into the rushing waters below.

According to David Stamey, the chief of emergency services in Stillwater County, the train cars contained asphalt and sulfur. As a precautionary measure, officials closed down downstream drinking water intakes to assess the potential danger. A reporter from Big Big News witnessed a yellow substance emanating from some of the tank cars.

Fortunately, there was no immediate risk to the crews working at the site, as the hazardous materials were being diluted by the swollen river. The collapsed bridge held eight rail cars, either submerged in the river or on its collapsed section.

In a statement, Andy Garland, spokesperson for Montana Rail Link, confirmed the safety of the train crew, reporting no injuries. Railroad crews promptly arrived at the scene near the town of Columbus, Stillwater County, which lies approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Billings. This sparsely populated region of the Yellowstone River Valley is surrounded by ranch and farmland, with the river flowing away from Yellowstone National Park, situated about 110 miles (177 kilometers) southwest.

Garland expressed commitment towards addressing any potential consequences resulting from the incident and pledged to investigate the causes behind the accident.

In Yellowstone County, neighboring the affected area, officials implemented emergency measures at water treatment plants due to the possibility of a hazardous material spill. They also urged residents to conserve water.

The investigation into the collapse is currently underway, with consideration given to the recent heavy rainfall causing the river to swell. The Montana Disaster Emergency Services and officials from the Federal Railroad Administration were notified and present at the scene.

Kelly Hitchcock, a representative from the Columbus Water Users, took action by shutting off the flow of river water into an irrigation ditch downstream from the collapsed bridge. This preventive measure aimed to prevent the tank cars’ contents from reaching nearby farmland. The Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office contacted the group early Saturday morning to alert them about the bridge collapse, as relayed by Hitchcock.

It is worth noting that the Yellowstone River experienced record flooding in 2022, resulting in significant damage to Yellowstone National Park and nearby towns in Montana.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlights that sulfur is a commonly used element, serving as a fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide.

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More about bridge collapse

• Bridge collapse over Yellowstone River
• Montana Rail Link
• Yellowstone National Park
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency