FELA Lawyer News Blog

BRAINERD, MN – Twenty BNSF rail cars carrying coal derailed on Sunday, July 10, five miles east of Highway 25 overpass near Brainerd, MN. The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. in a remote area by Loerch Road, at Mile Post 111 in Oak Law Township.

The train, with 121 loaded coal cars and three locomotives, originated in Montana and was traveling east to Superior, Wis.

There were no injuries reported at the time of the incident.

Brainerd Dispatch reports:

Amy McBeth, BNSF spokeswoman, said railway crews worked through the night and continued efforts at the scene Monday to clear the track. McBeth estimated the track would reopen Tuesday morning.

Of the derailed cars, McBeth said four were on their side, some were leaning, but several were crushed or “accordioned” in the derailment, and most of the cars will have to be scrapped. When a derailment occurs, BNSF reports the rest of the train that isn’t damaged is moved to the nearest crossing.

The rural area has marsh on both sides of the tracks. The sheriff’s department reported there are no residences, roadways or other property damage at the site.

McBeth said there is no estimate on how long the cleanup may take.The damaged coal cars will have to be removed, which McBeth said will happen in the next few days. Once all those cars are cleared, repairs will be made to the tracks.

BNSF has rerouted train traffic where it can, but McBeth said customers may still experience shipment delays because of the derailment.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

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FELA Lawyer News Blog is a FELA, train accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.

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