Columbus, Montana derailment

PRESS RELEASE // KTVQ - Billings, MT: 

‘Columbus, Montana Fire Chief Rich Cowger offered further information to clarify the number of rail cars involved in the derailment and what they contained.

He said 10 cars in the train were derailed and there were as many as eight that went into the water. The cars that were breached either contained molten sulfur or asphalt, but there was no immediate information on the contents of all the cars.

Two of the rail cars were carrying sodium hydro sulfate, he said, but those cars did not breach.’ 

Montana Rail Link (MRL) released this statement just after 1pm (6/24). 

"This morning, at approximately 6:45 a.m. MDT, a portion of a train traveling westbound near Reed Point derailed while traversing a bridge over the Yellowstone. The train crew is safe and no injuries have been reported. There are several cars in the river and the consist makeup did include several hazmat cars. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation with MRL personnel and first responders onsite. DES and NRC have been notified. The safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority. 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.”