BNSF train derails near Mt. lone
Burlington northern Santa Fe train had 25 of its 97 cars derail three miles east of the Montana state line, on Sunday.
BONNERS FERRY — On Sunday afternoon a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train traveling from Montana to Kalmara, Wash., had 25 of its 97 cars derail three miles east of the Montana state line.
Eighteen of the cars landed sideways spilling their load of grain onto the hillside with small amounts reaching the Kootenai River, according to BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas.
No one was injured in the derailment, and no hazardous materials spilled.
Melonas said crews were expected to work through the night to move cars, remove spilled grain and replace damaged track.
County emergency management incident commander Bob Graham and sheriffs deputies responded to the remote scene along the Kootenai canyon just past the Leonia Bridge.
Burlington Northern crews worked through the night to clear the tracks, leaving many trains parked along the sidings and lines both east and west, including several trains in Bonners Ferry. Most freight traffic was halted, but Amtrak passenger lines and some of the freight trains were rerouted.
According to BNSF, the main track is out of service, and there is no estimated time of reopening, but crews are on-site to make the necessary repairs.
Freight customers, they said in a service advisory, may experience delays of up to 24 to 36 hours.
BNSF customers awaiting shipments can call customer support at 1-888-428-2673.