Local News
Train derails over weekend
CHILLICOTHE — The investigation into a weekend train derailment continues.
According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s department, the back of the train derailed at 2:15 p.m. Saturday near the Ottumwa Generating Station near Chillicothe. Authorities did not respond to the incident, however, they were informed of the situation, a spokesperson said.
The train was carrying 122 cars, and of those, 16 derailed. They were carrying coal, traveling about 38 mph, said Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Steve Forsberg.
When the cars began to derail, the train went into emergency breaking on its own. There were no injuries.
Forsberg said since 1980, the railroad industry has reduced train accidents by 70 percent or more.
“They do occur just like automobile accidents, but they occur with far less frequency,” said Forsberg, who is officed in Kansas City, Mo. “Nevertheless, they do occur and we try to learn what we can with each one.”
Derailments are usually caused when there is a flaw on the track, something is wrong with the equipment rolling over the track, or an issue with how the train was being handled, Forsberg said.
The tracks were re-opened Sunday afternoon. Forsberg said he expects the derailed cars to be cleaned up within the next several days.
“I haven’t heard that they have it all cleaned up. Normally it takes them a couple days to get them picked up,” he said Monday.
Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.
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