(The following story by Jessica Miller was published in the January 15 issue of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier.)
LAWLER, Iowa — A train derailed this morning in Chickasaw County, spilling grain along the Iowa Chicago & Eastern railroad tracks west of town.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m.
Investigators were still on the scene, but it appeared as many as 21 cars had derailed, Lawler Fire Chief Paul Rosenbaum said.
“Grain is scattered all over and cars are sticking up all over. It’s kind of a site to see,” said Bob Ohm, who lives east of the accident.
No one was injured.
The derailment occurred on a slight curve just before town. A similar accident occurred on the same section of track in 1999. That time the derailment reached Ohm’s backyard.
Railroad officials could not confirm specifics about the accident this morning.
Richard Lemieux, the railroad’s chief dispatcher, said some grain cars had derailed, but that he did not know the cause as of press time.