Photo: murengstockphoto / iStock / Getty Images
Two freight trains collided and derailed in Boulder, Colorado, on Thursday night, causing significant damage and injuries. The incident, which occurred north of Boulder Community Hospital, resulted in the injury of two conductors, damage to a bridge, and a fuel spill, according to the Boulder Police Department.
The trains, each about a mile long, collided around 11:15 p.m. on tracks running near Boulder Creek. The aftermath of the collision was severe, with both train locomotives and several cargo cars off the rails. Heavy equipment was brought in to remove the wreckage.
The two injured conductors, whose names have not been released, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. They have since been released, according to Kendall Sloan, a spokesperson for train operator BNSF Railway. Sloan also confirmed that a "small amount" of fuel spilled from the locomotive but did not impact the creek.
The collision led to the closure of area roads for several hours while officials conducted an investigation and cleanup. The roads have since reopened. The Boulder Police Department also reported that an area electrical line was impacted, leading to power outages affecting about a dozen customers.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Sloan assured that crews are on site working to clear the incident as quickly and safely as possible, adding that there is no threat to the public.
The Boulder Police Department initially believed fuel was leaking from a train's engine into the creek, but it now appears the fuel was absorbed by sand that spilled out of one of the train cars. Michigansthumb.com reported.