(The following report appeared on the Grand Island Independent website on December 11.)
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) coal train derailed in east Grand Island Sunday night.
Grand Island police responded to the derailment at East Bismark and Shady Bend Roads at about 10 p.m. Sunday and began diverting traffic.
BNSF spokesman Steve Forsberg said the derailment occurred near the Wood River.
“Thirty-five cars of coal out of a 124-car train derailed,” Forsberg said.
The train was headed eastbound when the derailment occurred.
Forsberg said rerailing crews from Lincoln and Iowa had difficulty reaching the scene due to icy roads. The crews arrived between 8 and 9 Monday morning.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Forsberg said no one was injured in the derailment.
Crews were expected to have the tracks open again Monday night.