(The Peoria Journal Star posted the following article on its website on July 10.)
GALESBURG, Ill. — Five train cars — one of which contained liquid petroleum gas — derailed in Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s rail yard Tuesday evening, just over a week after 12 cars derailed while being prepared for departure.
No hazardous material leaked from the overturned tanker, and no one was injured or evacuated.
BNSF spokesman Steve Forsberg said the accident occurred at 7:45 p.m.
“The preliminary diagnosis on cause for this one is broken rail,” Forsberg said Wednesday.
The cause of the earlier derailment has still not been determined, though Forsberg said it involved mechanical problems or the track.
Of the five consecutive cars that derailed Tuesday, three tipped over and two remained upright. One of the three that turned over contained liquid petroleum gas.
Because of the potential danger presented by the volatile liquid, the Galesburg Fire Department was called to the scene and remained in place until the cars were put back on the rail around 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Bill Thomas, captain of fire prevention, said the department took precautionary measures within a half-mile radius of the derailment, but no residences were evacuated.
Remote control locomotives were used during both derailments, but Forsberg said that played no part in the accidents.