By: Sammy Wang

On Saturday, June 24, at Yellowstone Twin River Bridges in Stillwater County, Montana, ten cars on a freight train containing chemicals derailed while crossing a bridge and fell into the Yellowstone River. The bridge collapsed with the cars as well.

It happened around 6:45 A.M. and authorities are still unsure if the incident occurred because of the derailment or the bridge not being stable enough.

The Montana Rail Link, which was operating the train, stated that no one was harmed during the incident and that it was currently investigating the cause.

A Montana Rail Link Spokesperson said, “There are several cars in the river, and the consist makeup did include several hazmat cars. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation with MRL () personnel and first responders onsite. DES (Department of Economic Security) and NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) have been notified.”

Columbus Fire Chief Rich Cowger stated that around eight of 10 cars went into the water. Those cars contained either molten sulfur or asphalt. The other two that didn’t land in the water had sodium hydro-sulfite.

Wendy Buckley, the president and chief executive of STARS HazMat Consulting, which helps companies transport hazardous materials, said that the dangers of molten sulfur and asphalt were their high temperatures.

“This stuff is only hazardous because it’s really hot, this is not ideal by any means, but it is not a crisis either.” Buckley said.

When sulfur interacts with water, it creates sulfuric acid, which can kill fish. Fortunately, sulfuric acid dilutes in large bodies of water, so the effects would be minimal.

On the other hand, asphalt, which contains oil, was in a liquid state when it fell into the river making it more likely to spread and affect the river. Luckily, the material was moving slowly, so the effects should not cause too much environmental damage.

Some public places near the incident were closed due to safety and investigation. Officials have also told locals to avoid going near the Yellowstone River because of “potential contaminants.”

Sources:

https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1687709445204x550801229306753200/Train%20carrying%20%27potential%20contaminants%27%20derails%20into%20Yellowstone%20River%20in%20Montana%20-%20ABC%20News.pdf

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/24/us/montana-train-derailment-yellowstone-river/index.html

https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/train-derailment-causes-water-facility-plant-shutdowns-in-yellowstone-county#:~:text=Here%20is%20a%20press%20release,cars%20in%20the%20Yellowstone%20River.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/24/us/montana-train-derailment-yellowstone.html