Freight train derails near Glacier; no injuries reported

Sun., Feb. 12, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Six cars of a BNSF Railway freight train derailed Saturday afternoon about a mile east of Glacier National Park, blocking the tracks that carry Amtrak’s Empire Builder passenger train from Chicago to Seattle.

BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said it was not immediately clear what caused the derailment, but an investigation was under way. No one was injured.

The freight train was headed from Chicago to Portland when the cars derailed at 1:35 p.m.

The six segmented cars were carrying multiple containers of general merchandise, including paper products, tile and aerosol hairspray.

“It appears as if there is no public or environmental threat,” Melonas said.

Amtrak passengers were being taken by bus between Havre and Spokane.

Melonas said officials expected to have the line reopened by today.

This is the third time in two weeks that a train has derailed in the Inland Northwest. Amtrak’s Empire Builder derailed on Jan. 28 near Sprague, Wash., and passengers were bused to Spokane.

Then, on Feb. 4, a freight train derailed one-eighth of a mile east of the first accident. There were no injuries reported.

– Associated Press

Firefighter put on leave following rape accusation

A Spokane firefighter was placed on paid leave Saturday, after he was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at the Indian Trail fire station Friday afternoon, according to a statement issued by city officials.

Spokane police are investigating, and the firefighter has not been arrested, city spokeswoman Marlene Feist said. She declined to release the firefighter’s name.

The rape is believed to have occurred at 4 p.m. and was reported to police at 2 a.m. Saturday, Feist said. The firefighter was on duty at the time.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer referred all questions to Feist, who had no further information.

– James Hagengruber

Early registration available online for Bloomsday

Early registration for the 30th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run is open online at www.bloomsday.org.

Participants who sign up by Feb. 19 will be entered in a drawing for a trip for two – including airfare and hotel – to the St. Patrick’s Day Dash in Seattle, on March 12.

Bloomsday is May 7. Full details about the race will be released in early March, at which time printed entry forms will be available at locations throughout the area.

– Hilary Kraus

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