According to a police a scanner, a coal train derailed into the Gunnison River tonight (Tuesday night) around 11:30 p.m., roughly in the area of Bridgeport Road. Two engineers are trapped inside and unable to get out through a window. The victims report they are not injured but are worried about hypothermia. GJFD is sending divers and extrication equipment to the scene, but encountered a locked gate on BLM land. They also had to figure out the direction the train was heading so they can determine which is the front end. It was a westbound train. Responders asked the railroad company if they have a hazmat team they can send. There will be a team coming out of Denver or Salt Lake. Rescuers report visibility is “terrible.” As of 12:09 a.m. it is unknown how many cars are actually in the river or how many cars there are in the entire train. The wreck was described as a “pileup.”
Rescuers reached the engines at about 12:15 a.m. and made verbal contact with the trapped victims, who again report they aren’t injured. Work is ongoing to get them out, determine the size and scale of the overall wreckage and the environmental implications.
[Report courtesy of a combination of insomnia and a police scanner app.]
So let’s get those tankers full of waxy crude oil running along the Colorado River ASAP. What could possibly go wrong?
BTW, they run these trains with only 2 crewmembers now. So much for job creation.
At least it shouldn’t affect the California Zephyr, since this incident is not on the UP main line.
They have the guys out in ambulance. RESCUED. The Union Pacific Hazmat will be out in the 5 hours probably coming from Denver. Diesel fuel was leaking into river. All coal was on the side banks.
Thanks for the update!