Nineteen train cars derail in Minot
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Clean up is underway in Minot Wednesday, Sept. 30, following the derailment of 19 BNSF Railway cars.
According to City of Minot information, the Minot Fire Department responded to a call at 3:34 a.m. for the incident involving derailed train cars near Second Avenue Southwest. Nineteen train cars derailed and four train cars were tipped to the side.
Due to the derailment, the Sixth Street underpass was closed to traffic.
No residences were impacted by the derailment, city officials said.
HAZMAT responded to locate a gas leak from a damaged gas line serving the rail switches, and Montana-Dakota Utilities shut off and secured the leak, according to the report.
BNSF Railway also issued a statement saying the multiple rail cars that derailed were carrying containers and several empty containers were on their sides.
According to the statement, there were no reported injuries to the crew. BNSF personnel were on site and working with local officials to clear the incident as quickly and as safely as possible. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
One train car was identified as carrying hazardous material, and it was secured and removed from the scene during the initial response, according to BNSF information released through the city.
Amtrak passenger train uses the BNSF tracks.
Marc Magliari, a spokesman for Amtrak in Chicago, said Amtrak train 7/27 will be held at the passenger station in Minot for disposition, providing complimentary food and beverage, and full refunds for what is expected to be a lengthy delay due to the temporary track closure to the west.
Commercial buildings at 700 and 720 Western Avenue were to be closed Wednesday, the City of Minot announced. Although the buildings experienced no visible damage, gas leak repairs and railroad cleanup prompted the temporary closures.
In addition to Sixth Street underpass, other streets closed were Western Avenue, west of Sixth Street; Maple Street and Third Avenue Southwest, west of Sixth Street.