(The following story by Eric Freeman appeared on the Columbus Telegram website on December 10.)
COLUMBUS, Neb. — Details regarding a 22-car coal train derailment early this morning in Schuyler began to emerge as Union Pacific officials arrived on the scene.
The eastbound train originated in Wyoming and was headed for Chicago when it derailed about 7:15 a.m.
“There are no injuries reported in this incident,” said Mark Davis, director of regional public affairs. “There is damage to both main lines that will require the replacement of 160 feet on track on one and 560 feet of track on the other.
Davis said heavy equipment is expected to arrive this afternoon and the clean up will begin as soon as the equipment is in place.
“That is a main route which has been blocked of course,” Davis said. “We have already begun to reroute and detour rail traffic around it.”
Davis had no estimates as to when the clean up and repair to the tracks would be completed and full use returned to the railway.
The scene at the G Street intersection revealed at least 12 coal cars pancaked together and tons of coal spilled on the railway to the east of the intersection. A tree line in the area blocked the view of damage further east.
Schuyler Police Chief Lennie Hiltner said no injuries were reported and that there was no knowledge at this time of any damage to property adjacent to the railway.
“The Union Pacific responded very quickly to this situation,” Hiltner said. “At this point we believe there are 15 coal cars involved. It was fortunate that the incident occurred east of G Street at the edge of town.
“The grade level crossings at B and G streets are closed at this time,” he said, “but we believe B Street could be opened by the end of the day.”
It was unknown this morning when the G Street crossing would be opened.
Railroad spokesman Davis said that rail traffic in Columbus will be disrupted and delayed. He could not say how long repairs would take or how long the necessary repairs would take at the Schuyler derailment.