Heat Wave Derails Freight Train
Fri., July 14, 1995
A heat wave that scorched the Plains on Thursday for the sixth straight day derailed a freight train with rail-warping temperatures of 112 degrees and felled cattle in their pens.
At least seven heat-related deaths were reported as the heat moved eastward. It was expected to stay the weekend over the eastern half of the nation.
Parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Illinois neared 100 degrees.
The Washington Monument was closed Thursday for the first time ever, because the air conditioning system failed and temperatures reached over 100 inside.
Near Nebraska City, Neb., 15 cars of a 98-car freight train derailed Wednesday. No one was hurt. Union Pacific spokesman John Bromley said the rail “kinks” or buckles when it gets too hot.
Local journalism is essential.
Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.
Subscribe to the Coronavirus newsletter
Get the day’s latest Coronavirus news delivered to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter.
