ISMAY, Mont. — Sixteen rail cars caught fire and six exploded after a freight train derailed in an unpopulated area of eastern Montana, sending a huge fireball into the sky, railroad officials said Monday.
Fifteen tanker cars containing the fuel additive denatured alcohol and one car hauling cardboard derailed Sunday between Baker and Ismay, about 180 miles northeast of Billings.
No one was hurt in the crash, which sent flames 70 feet into the air as rail cars burned all night, said Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas.
The derailed cars were part of a 106-car train headed to Laurel from Aberdeen, S.D. It was traveling about 23 miles per hour at the time of the derailment, Melonas said.
Crews intend to remove the damaged cars and replace about 1,100 feet of track and ties. The line, used by eight to 10 trains a day, could reopen as soon as Wednesday. Some trains were being rerouted Monday.
--more--"
Also see: "Ranchers seeing their long-held fears become reality."
