() — A train derailment in Montana caused a bridge over the Yellowstone River to collapse and send several rail cars overboard, Stillwater County officials said Saturday.
The derailment occurred around 6 a.m. Several tank cars were damaged and are leaking “petroleum products,” according to Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services.
The derailed Montana Rail Link train cars included “several cars of hazardous materials,” the regional rail company said in a statement.
The train crew is safe and no injuries are reported, according to the statement.
“The safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority. We are committed to addressing any potential impacts to the area as a result of this incident and working to understand the reasons behind the accident,” Montana Rail Link said.
Yellowstone County officials said there is no immediate threat and “precautions are being taken.”
The cause of the derailment has yet to be determined and people are asked to stay away from the areas around the Yellowstone River Railroad Bridge.
“Local fishing access will be closed. Water treatment plants, irrigation districts, and industrial businesses are taking appropriate precautions,” the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services has asked people who live in the area to conserve water.
Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services spokeswoman Tammie Mullikin said notifications have been sent to all required agencies and “safety and risk mitigation efforts” have been put in place in response to the incident.
“We formally established a unified command and we use the incident command system,” Mullikin said. “Unified Command is working together to determine the most appropriate steps to ensure a safe resolution of this incident.”
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte tweeted Saturday that he is watching the derailment.
“The state stands ready to support as Montana Rail Link and county officials assess their needs,” he said.
Montana Rail Link is a Class II regional railroad that operates more than 1,400 route kilometers of track in Montana and Idaho, according to the company’s website.
