(The following report appeared at Bend.com on October 25.)
CHEMULT, Ore. — Central Oregon rail traffic was disrupted early Monday when five cars and two locomotives on a southbound Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway freight train jumped the tracks about seven miles north of Chemult, officials said.
There were no injuries or hazardous materials involved, said BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas in Seattle. Crews expected to have the line reopened as early as Monday evening.
The two derailed locomotives remained upright, as did two of the five rail cars, Melonas said. Two of the three cars that toppled onto their sides were carrying lumber and the third contained paper, as did the two upright cars, he said.
The derailed cars and locomotives were at the rear of the train, which had a total of five locomotives and 71 loaded cars. It originated in Everett, Wash., and was destined for Barstow, Calif., Melonas said.
The cause of the incident, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. Monday, was under investigation.