Several people suffered injuries after a train derailed and plowed into a river.
The shocking incident took place in Ferryville, Wisconsin, where a cargo train carrying paint and lithium batteries derailed and caused dozens of cars to fall into the Mississippi River.
According to BNSF, the accident took place just south of Lansing Bridge at around 12.15 pm on Thursday.
Local news station WXOW has since confirmed that at least four people suffered injuries in the crash. Their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Meanwhile, the Crawford County Emergency Management team confirmed that as many as twenty cars of the freight train ended up in the river. Two of these cars were swept away by the current and led downstream.
The authorities are now in the process of retrieving the two cars. Barriers to prevent oil and paint spills have also been set up in response to the emergency.
“It was reported to us that there were hazardous materials on the train itself but it’s not believed to be a concern to the public or the responders at this time as those cars were contained,” Marc Myhre of the Crawford County Emergency Management said.
The incident was also confirmed by BNSF in a statement that read:
“BNSF Railway can confirm that a train derailed near De Soto, Wisconsin (approximately 30 miles south of La Crosse) on April 27, at approximately 12:15 pm local time.
“Two of the three locomotives and an unknown number of cars carrying freight of all kinds are reported to be derailed on the bluff side of the Mississippi River. The main track is blocked in both directions and an estimated time for reopening the track is not available.”
The statement concluded: “Crew members are accounted for, with one receiving medical evaluation. Local first responders are on-site. BNSF has personnel en route to the scene and the cause of the incident is under investigation.”
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