St Paul, MN Derailment (Update with photos)

[Big_Boy_4005]

This is the second derailment in as many weeks.

Last week a train left the rails while traveling on the joint BNSF / CP (ex CB&Q) main15 miles east of St Paul and dumped a number of cars into the Mississippi River. No injuries, and no spills into the river. Traffic was easily rerouted around the site on the other main (ex Milwaukee).

Today's derailment is located in the middle of an important interlocking a half mile east of downtown St Paul. Again no injuries or spills, but this will be a bigger traffic problem as it effects both Twin Cities to Chicago mains for BNSF and CP as well as a yard lead for the UP and another for the CP.

It is difficult to tell from the news photos if all 5 tracks are blocked through the plant. Some traffic may be able to sneak by on one track. Tonight's westbound Empire Builder may have to be rerouted over the UP main if there is no clear track.

Here is a link to the news story.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S7491.html?cat=1

[bjc77]

The train that derailed last week was on CP's River Sub around MP 358, just east of Red Wing, the mainline was shutdown for about 24hrs.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bjc77

The train that derailed last week was on CP's River Sub around MP 358, just east of Red Wing, the mainline was shutdown for about 24hrs.

That must have been a different one, and I missed it. The one I was talking about was in Cottage Grove, behind the 3M plant. 30 cars derailed in that one with 6 ending up in the river. The train was eastbound Saturday March 19th.

Today's is right at Hoffman Ave, where it will cause the maximum traffic tie up. 10 cars on their sides. They will have everyone out there cleaning that one up, I expect it to reopen by morning. We'll see.

[Big_Boy_4005]

After hearing about the wreck, I decided to run down there to see first hand. The mess was spread over all of the tracks. It seems that 2 trains were involved. Cars from one train derailed sideswiping cars from the other. It happened sometime around 11 AM, I got there about 6:30, and took a few photos.



All hands on deck!!! There must have been 50 people there working to clear the wreck, and they were just getting ready for a long night's work.



Fortunately, the string of tank cars laying on their sides, were empty. I never knew that some tanks had a set of reporting marks on top of them.



That trailer with the hazmat symbol on it was marked "WAR Wagon". Situation under control, and windsock flying, some of the crew stand by discussing the plan of action. Porta-potties and lighting are in place for the long job.



On the right you can see the bottom of one of two loaded auto racks, which had already been cleared. Somebody's new car is going to be delivered late.



Two other loaded auto racks sustained damage, but remained upright.

[spbed]

Great job thanks![:o)][:I]

Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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