(The Associated Press circulated the following story on May 21.)
NEWTON, Kan. — Authorities are investigating what caused a several cars of a freight train to jump the tracks Tuesday, spilling borax.
No one was hurt when three freight cars, a liquid petroleum tanker car and an engine left the Union Pacific-owned tracks in downtown Newton. The derailment blocked traffic for about 45 minutes, said Newton Deputy Fire Chief Dean Davis.
Borax, which is not considered hazardous, spilled from a hopper that leaned over to the side, Davis said.
Authorities also are investigating the cause of a derailment Monday in Pratt, where two cars of a Union Pacific train derailed. One car overturned, spilling corn, and was dragged until the train was able to stop. The second car tipped over and was unhooked from the train.