Five train cars -- one of which contained liquid petroleum gas --
derailed in Burlington Northern Santa Fes Galesburg yard on July 8,
just over a week after 12 cars derailed while being prepared for
departure. Remote control locomotives were used during both derailments.
No hazardous material leaked from the overturned tanker, and no one was
injured or evacuated.
BNSF spokesman Steve Forsberg said the accident occurred at 7:45 p.m.
"The preliminary diagnosis on cause for this one is broken rail," he said.
The cause of the earlier derailment has still not been determined,
though Forsberg said it involved mechanical problems or the track. Of
the five consecutive cars that derailed Tuesday, three tipped over and
two remained upright. One of the three that turned over contained liquid
petroleum gas.
Because of the potential danger presented by the volatile liquid, the
Galesburg Fire Department was called to the scene and remained in place
until the cars were put back on the rail around 6 a.m. Wednesday. Bill
Thomas, captain of fire prevention, said the department took
precautionary measures within a half-mile radius of the derailment, but
no residences were evacuated.
