Bridge Collapse in Montana Sends Freight Train with Hazardous Materials into Yellowstone River
COLUMBUS, Mont. (AP) — A bridge spanning the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed in the early hours of Saturday, causing a portion of a freight train carrying dangerous substances to plummet into the fast-flowing water below.
According to Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services, the train cars were transporting hot asphalt and molten sulfur. As a precautionary measure, officials halted drinking water intake downstream while they assessed the potential hazards following the incident at 6 a.m. An observer from the Associated Press reported observing a yellow substance leaking from some of the tank cars.
David Stamey, the chief of emergency services for the county, stated that the crews working at the site were not immediately at risk, as the hazardous materials were being diluted by the swollen river. Currently, three asphalt cars and four sulfur cars remain in the river.
Fortunately, the train crew members were unharmed, and there were no reported injuries, as confirmed by Montana Rail Link spokesperson Andy Garland in a statement. Garland added that both the asphalt and sulfur solidify rapidly when exposed to cooler temperatures.
Railroad teams have been dispatched to the scene in Stillwater County, located near the town of Columbus, approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Billings. The affected area lies in a sparsely populated section of the Yellowstone River Valley, surrounded by ranches and farmlands. Notably, the river flows away from Yellowstone National Park, which is situated about 110 miles (177 kilometers) southwest.
Garland emphasized their commitment to addressing any potential repercussions resulting from the incident and pledged to investigate the cause of the accident.
Moreover, the bridge collapse disrupted a fiber-optic cable, which served as a primary internet provider for numerous customers in the state. Global Net, the high-speed provider, acknowledged the impact on its customers via a recorded message on its phone line, stating that connectivity would either be limited or extremely slow.
In neighboring Yellowstone County, officials implemented emergency measures at water treatment plants due to concerns about a potential hazardous materials spill, urging residents to conserve water.
The cause of the bridge collapse is currently under investigation. Although recent heavy rains had caused the Yellowstone River to swell, it remains uncertain if this played a role in the incident.
In 2022, the Yellowstone River experienced record flooding, resulting in extensive damage to Yellowstone National Park and adjacent towns in Montana. Robert Bea, a retired engineering professor from the University of California Berkeley, known for analyzing the causes of numerous major disasters, speculated that consecutive years of heavy river flows might provide insight into a possible cause.
Bea explained, "The high-water flow translates to high forces acting directly on the pier and, importantly, on the river bottom. You can have erosion or scour that removes support from the foundation. High forces translate to a high likelihood of a structural or foundation failure that could act as a trigger to initiate the accident."
The "Twin Bridges," which included an old highway bridge paralleling the railroad bridge, underwent removal in 2021 after the Montana Department of Transportation deemed it to be at imminent risk of collapse. Currently, it is unclear when the railroad bridge was constructed or last inspected.
Bea mentioned that investigators would also examine whether there was any wear or rust in bridge components, as well as review records of maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
Federal Railroad Administration officials have arrived at the site to collaborate with local authorities.
The agency stated, "As part of our investigation, we have requested and will thoroughly review a copy of recent bridge inspection reports from the owner for compliance with federal Bridge Safety Standards," emphasizing that the responsibility for inspections lies with the bridge owners.
Kelly Hitchcock from the Columbus Water Users took action to prevent the contents of the tank cars from reaching nearby farmland
