UP train derails along Moyie River

From Mike Meier, public information officer for Boundary County Director of Emergency Management:

Union Pacific Railroad experienced a derailment in Boundary County. The location is approximately four miles north from Highway 2 on Moyie River Road.

The derailment involves 12 railroad cars loaded with grain that derailed due to a mud slide. None of the cars reached the Moyie River and there was no HAZMAT material involved.

Photos show the train was crossing the slide area and the vibration of the train caused that area to let go. The engine and several cars were passed the slide area but four railcars with grain slid down the hill close to the river, an additional six to eight cars were on their side within the rail line area.

Responding were Gus Jackson North Bench Fire (Incident Commander), Sheriff’s Office, County Road and Bridge, Emergency Management and Union Pacific Railroad. Road and Bridge moved some equipment to the area to keep the roads passable, Sheriff’s Department took some aerial photos of the derailment, Emergency management met with Union Pacific Representatives and Clean Harbor Hazmat clean up Company who works for Union Pacific (by Phone).

The area of the derailment is very remote with very steep terrain. Depending on how the Union Pacific approaches this derailment will be the deciding factor on equipment they use. The Railroad may have to resort to all equipment being High-lined (brought in by rail) to the site.