(The Associated Press circulated the following article on May 21.)
GILLETTE, Wyo. — A coal train derailment south of Gillette on the heavily used joint line rail caused no track damage and little disruption to service, according to a spokesman for BNSF Railway.
The 125-car train loaded with coal from the Belle Ayr mine was headed south toward Minneque, Colo., when an axle came off the track at 3:30 p.m. Thursday near Coal Creek Junction, Gus Melonas said.
One car derailed but stayed upright, allowing the railroad to continue hauling on adjacent mainline tracks, Melonas said. There were no injuries and no hazardous materials released, he said.
The section of rail was reopened at 11:25 p.m., and Melonas said the railroad is investigating the accident.