Freight train derails along Mississippi River near Wisconsin-Iowa border; 2 cars submerged
A train derailed along the Mississippi River near the border between Wisconsin and Iowa on Thursday, sending two cars into the water.
The incident happened early Thursday afternoon in Crawford County between the towns of De Soto and Ferryville, Wis., about 180 miles west of Milwaukee.
The area has seen heavy flooding in recent days, but it’s unknown if that contributed to the derailment. It’s also not clear what the BNSF train was hauling.
At least two injuries were reported, according to CBS News Minnesota.
Video posted on social media by a passerby shows multiple cars derailed, which led to the closure of at least one road nearby, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said.
“My staff was just made aware of a train derailment in our District south of the Lansing Bridge in Ferryville,” tweeted Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is on the Congress’ transportation and infrastructure committee. “We have begun to coordinate with BNSF, FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the state and national Departments of Transportation, Crawford County officials, and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2), whose District may also be impacted, to get answers on what occurred.”
“My staff is traveling to the site, and Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22), who Chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Rail, has also made staff available to assist our team,” he continued. “We will continue to monitor the situation and determine next steps.”
The incident occurred almost three months after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The resulting chemical spill and toxic burn off has had unknown environmental impact and may cost the company nearly $400 million dollars.
