UPDATE: 5:45 p.m. - Oct. 1, 2022
BRIDGER - MTN News spoke to Bridger resident Chad Cullum who said he's "glad it wasn't worse" and thinks June's massive flooding could've played a role.
"Really grateful that nobody was harmed in another large emergency here in our community. But to me, it’s some of the ripple effects and aftermath of the flood. That’s an area that was highly damaged by the flood and of course, repaired. Obviously, Mother Nature is still settling and moving the earth from the flood," said Cullum.
Bridger Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Dillon Thomas sats the BNSF hazmat team is on-site, and is actively working on the spill. Their hazmat manager, multiple engineers and other associated support services are on site as well.
(second report: 1:15 p.m. - Oct. 1, 2022)
About 31,000 gallons of gasoline spilled onto the ground Friday night following a 15-car train derailment a half-mile east of Bridger, Carbon County emergency management officials told MTN News Saturday.
The spill has not created risk to groundwater, area irrigation ditches or the nearby Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, nor has it presented harm to livestock, officials said.
Barriers were set back 500 feet around the area to protect against exposure to vapors from the crash, and no one was injured, officials said. Evacuation warnings have been issued for the area.
The rail cars were carrying sorghum, animal fat, coal, gasoline and other products, according to officials. Photos from the scene show damaged tanker cars and containers from Walmart.
Several roads, including East Bridger Road and South River Road, have been closed in the area of the cleanup. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
(first report)
Multiple agencies are responding Saturday to a 15-car train derailment about a half-mile east of Bridger.
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. Friday and forced the closure of East Bridger Road at the railroad crossing and South River Road at the Rushwater Road intersection.
Residents in the immediate area have been issued an evacuation warning, according to Carbon County emergency management officials posted on social media.
Officials did not say what product the train was hauling, but photos from the scene show crashed tanker cars. These cars haul liquid commodities, which could include potentially explosive materials such as crude oil or other hazardous materials.
Officials also did not report any injuries.
Responders from Bridger Fire, Carbon County Department of Emergency Services, BNSF railroad and other agencies are responding.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Heavy equipment operators are on the scene Saturday morning working on the cleanup.
