Authorities in Montana are responding to a train derailment on the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office He wrote on Facebook Several tanker cars “damaged and leaked petroleum products near the Yellowstone River” on Saturday morning.
Later reports from other agencies, along with photos of the derailment, said the train crashed into the Yellowstone River after the bridge collapsed early Saturday morning.
Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services said on Facebook “Several” train cars were in the river, but the cause of the derailment has yet to be determined. The derailment occurred around 6 am local time, the department said.
Stillwater County DES
The department said many agencies, including federal agencies, are responding to the downturn.
The sheriff’s office initially said several tankers “were damaged near the Yellowstone River and leaked petroleum products.” Later in the morning, the local newspaper shared an update on Facebook. Sheriff’s Office shared the update, said eight trains were involved but none contained oil. Instead, the cars contained “asphalt and a second substance, which authorities are working to confirm.” Both objects were described as moving slowly.
Region’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said The river will be closed and boaters will be asked to avoid the area.
Department of Public Works of the City of Billings, Montana, He wrote on Facebook “Yellowstone has the potential for undesirable emissions.” The river borders Billings.
The city said water intake within the metro area would be shut off “for the time it takes for any material to pass through the billets.” The shutdown is expected to be brief and will not affect water supplies, the department said.
This is a growing story. Check back for updates.
