GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Approximately 31 cars of a Union Pacific coal train derailed on Union Pacific’s triple-track main line across Nebraska early today (Tuesday, Feb. 21), stopping rail traffic for more than six hours.
No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved in the accident that occurred about 1:45 a.m., UP spokeswoman Robynn Tysver told the Lincoln Journal-Star. One track of the UP main line was reopened about 8 a.m. while derailment cleanup continued.
Gothenburg is about 35 miles southeast of North Platte. It was the second similar derailment in the area in about nine months; 30 cars of a coal train derailed 2 miles southeast of Gothenburg in May 2022 [see “UP coal train derails …,” Trains News Wire, May 26, 2022]
Has anyone conducted a study of causes – track or truck related? And which is more prevalent? Do we need more track detectors to spot truck problems, or better ways to test rail condition and gauge?
Considering the cost (and dangers) of these derailments, beefing up testing and detection should be the more practical approach, as well aa safer for people and the environment.
I wonder if coal dust contamination of the ROW is involved. Wasn’t that a problem years ago in the Powder River Basin?
How many car were on this train? Was it a monster double?
I have a drinking game for you, take a drink every time you see an article that a UP, NS or CSX train derailed.
That could be very healthy if it’s water. I think you are suggesting something a bit stronger.
Maybe an “adult beverage” would be an appropriate tonic to off-set the (somewhat) depressing regularity of Class I derailments these days?