(The Capital-Journal posted the following story on its website on August 21.)
FRANKFORT, Kan. — Eleven cars of a Union Pacific train derailed near here this morning. No one was injured and no hazardous materials were spilled, authorities said.
The cars left the tracks at about 2 a.m. today in Marshall County. Kathryn Blackwell, Union Pacific’s general director for corporate communications in Omaha, Neb., said the cars derailed and came to rest on their sides south of the tracks.
She said a broken rail likely caused the derailment, although the incident remains under investigation. Blackwell said equipment was expected to arrive this morning to lift the cars back onto the tracks.
“It’s really surprising how quickly the tracks can get moving,” she said.
A Marshall County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher said the accident occurred about three miles north and 1 1/2 miles west of Frankfort. She said no roads were closed because of the derailment.
Blackwell said the cars had been carrying mixed freight, including paper and furniture. She said about 550 feet of rail was damaged.
The 39-car train had left the Kansas City area en route to Portland, Ore. The derailment occurred about 90 miles northwest of Topeka.