Train Hauling Soda Ash Derails; Car In River

A freight train hauling soda ash near Glenns Ferry derailed Thursday afternoon, sending one of the cars partially into the Snake River, Union Pacific Railroad officials said.

Thirteen cars derailed toward the end of the train at about 4:15 p.m., with one becoming about 25 percent submerged in the water, railroad spokesman Ed Trandahl said.

Environmental officers from the railroad were on the scene to monitor its seepage into the water.

“Soda ash is not a hazardous material,” Trandahl said. “Baking soda is made from it, as well as windshields, glass and about 2,000 other things.”