(The Billings Gazette posted the following article on its website on June 28.)
POPLAR, Mont. — Thirteen of 59 cars on a freight train derailed here while pulling onto a siding, closing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line across northern Montana, officials said.
Gus Melonas, spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fee Railway Co., said there were no injuries and the cause of the Sunday morning derailment was under investigation.
The main line reopened at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, and officials expected to open a side track later Monday, he said.
Eleven cars tipped over but two remained upright. Salvage crews were brought in from Havre and Billings, he said.
The eastbound train originated at Pasco, Wash., and the derailed cars were hauling lumber products, paper, apples and cheese, Melonas said. There were no hazardous materials involved, he said.
Amtrak passengers were bused between Havre and Minot, N.D., until normal passenger service resumed Monday.