CUSTER COUNTY, Mont. (KFYR) - A Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway train hauling coal derailed Monday night west of Miles City, Montana. A BNSF spokesperson and the Custer County Fire Department confirmed the derailment. 25 cars derailed and there were no injuries reported. The cause is under investigation. Custer County Fire Chief Cory Cheguis says the derailment was in a remote area and only a few firefighters were able to access the site. They used thermal UAS and UTVs to inspect the scene. Custer County Emergency Management also responded. BNSF appreciates the quick response and support from Custer County first responders and emergency management. BNSF teams are on site working to restore service and they anticipate re-opening the line mid-day Wednesday.
Well, temperatures in Montana have moderated quite a bit this week. I might wonder about track conditions after hard cold, and now into thaw. Culverts, softened roadbed, broken rail... I sometimes wonder if people working out of Texas do truly comprehend such swings in conditions, far, far away? In years long gone by, dispatchers new to a territory would be sent there in person, to ride it for a couple of weeks. I have a feeling they won't spend that kind of time or money these days.
