Train derailment, bridge collapse in Montana causes chemical leak into Yellowstone River

BIG TIMBER, Montana — A train derailed in Stillwater County, Montana, just east of Big Timber, according to the Stillwater County Department of Emergency Services.

The derailment occurred at about about 6 a.m., when the railway bridge spanning the Yellowstone River collapsed, officials stated in a Facebook post on Saturday morning.

“The bridge collapsed and there are multiple rail cars in the Yellowstone River,” the post stated.

In a similar post, the Yellowstone County Disaster & Emergency Services announced that emergency measures were being taken to safeguard the water supply of nearby towns from an apparent chemical spill from the derailment.

“At 7:45 a.m., water treatment facilities in Laurel, Billings and Lockwood, as well as the irrigation canal companies, have instituted emergency protective measures,” the posts reads, “including shutting down head gates, due to a potential hazmat spill into the Yellowstone River in neighboring Stillwater County.”

Officials say Stillwater County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office, Commissioners and Columbus Fire & Rescue have all responded to the incident, along with Montana Rail Link and other state agencies. Federal response agencies are also involved.

“We have formally established a unified command and are using the incident command system,” the Stillwater DES said.

Stillwater DES reported it has taken the following actions:

The cause of the derailment hasn’t been determined. Agencies are working to “determine the most appropriate steps to ensure a safe resolution to this incident.”

While officials say there is no threat to life or property, residents are being asked to conserve water until the treatment facilities are back up and running.

This is an evolving story. We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.