2023-06-25 09:01:55
A train carrying dangerous goods crashed into the Yellowstone River in Montana. Several wagons with asphalt and sulfur are in the water, drinking water extraction from the river has been stopped for the time being.
A railroad bridge over the Yellowstone River collapsed when a freight train carrying hazardous materials crossed it. Several wagons fell into the water. No one was injured in the accident, according to the Montana Rail Link rail company.
According to the civil protection in the county of Stillwater (US state of Montana), the wagons were traveling with hot asphalt and molten sulfur. Both the asphalt and sulfur quickly solidified when exposed to cooler temperatures, a rail company spokesman said.
Drinking water supply restricted
After the accident, the authorities closed the drinking water extraction points downstream because the water quality should first be checked. The county’s emergency services chief, David Stamey, said there was no immediate danger to crews working at the site. The leaked substances would be diluted by the water.
Stillwater County is located near the city of Columbus, regarding 40 miles west of Billings. The area is part of a sparsely populated region in the Yellowstone River Valley. Yellowstone National Park is regarding 180 kilometers southwest.
In many places, the infrastructure in the USA is considered ailing and in need of rehabilitation. US President Joe Biden therefore announced a government investment program.
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