The Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Rail Safety, along with other state agencies, has provided an update on a Union Pacific train derailment that took place late Tuesday night near Whitewater, Colorado. The incident occurred at 10:53 p.m. when a locomotive derailed into the Gunnison River. According to officials, rockfall along the rail corridor is believed to have caused the derailment.
Two crew members were hospitalized following the accident but have since been released. Environmental response teams are currently addressing the situation at the site. “The Union Pacific Railroad Hazmat Manager and environmental mitigation and clean-up contractors are on-site,” stated officials.
Local and state agencies responded quickly to manage potential environmental impacts. The Grand Junction Fire Department deployed booms in an effort to contain approximately 4,460 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled into the river. Biologists from Colorado Parks and Wildlife began sampling and monitoring effects on fish and wildlife early Wednesday morning.
Efforts to remove train cars and conduct hazardous material cleanup are underway with support from emergency permits issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). These permits allow for heavy equipment transport needed for extraction operations in the area. While some secondary roads may be closed during this process, there are no expected impacts to Interstate 70.
Union Pacific reported the incident as required by House Bill 24-1030 to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s watch center. Technical assistance was also provided by DHSEM West Area Field Manager to Mesa County’s emergency manager. House Bill 24-1030 established the Office of Rail Safety within the PUC with a mandate to improve transparency, accountability, and safety across all rail operations in Colorado.
