(The following article by Emily Arthur was posted on the Aberdeen American News website on April 4.)
ABERDEEN, S.D. — A Burlington Northern-Sante Fe Railroad train derailed in Aberdeen on Tuesday afternoon, forcing authorities to reroute traffic around Sixth Avenue.
Gus Melonas, public affairs director for BNSF, said the train, which was carrying 104 loads of grain, was traveling from Mellette to Chicago. The two locomotives derailed at South Fourth Street and First Avenue about 4:30 p.m., blocking traffic to the west side of Aberdeen.
Although the locomotives stayed upright, a crane had to be brought in from Fargo, N.D., to put them back on the track. Melonas also said the track would need to be repaired.
Much of the traffic was rerouted to Melgaard Road or the U.S. Highway 281 bypass, the only two open roads, Capt. Dave McNeil of the Aberdeen Police Department said. Barricades were also set up at major intersections to alert motorists of the derailment.
The police department also called in extra patrols to aid in traffic control, McNeil said. A few minor accidents from traffic being backed up were also reported.
Authorities expected the roads to be opened by 10 p.m., McNeil said. An engine was being brought in from Wolsey. Railroad employees planned to hook the cars to the engine and take them south.
Melonas said the train was traveling less than 5 mph when it derailed. Nobody was injured, and no grain spilled. The cause of the derailment is still being investigated, he said.