Train Derails Near Bridger, MT Spilling About 30,000 Gallons Of Fuel

Investigators are trying to assess the damage and investigate the cause of a train derailment that happened this past Friday near Bridger, Montana.

About 15 cars derailed about one-half mile east of town on a curving portion of track, spilling an estimated 28,000-30,000 gallons of gasoline at about 11:30pm Friday (September 30th).

The town is about 45 miles southwest of Billings.

BNSF Railway Co. said there were no injuries, and crews are working with local officials and hazardous-materials responders to safely clear the site.

The train had more than 100 cars, and it was also moving coal, sorghum and particle board.

The tracks in that area in some portions run near the meandering Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River.

A spokes-person for Carbon County Disaster and Emergency Services, said the river wasn’t affected.

The cause of the derailment is under investigation, and it was raining at the time it happened.

Environmental technicians will monitor the air, gas and soil in the area over the next few weeks.