Train derails

A Union Pacific train derailed at Oak Avenue SE at approximately 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 12. The incident blocked the intersection for more than two hours.

The train’s two locomotives were pulling three cars southbound on the tracks when the derailment occurred. According to Mike Jaixen, Sr. Manager of Communications for Union Pacific, the conductor immediately knew something was wrong at the intersection.

“The crew recognized the way the locomotive was operating, something was not quite right,” he said.

Jaixen said two wheels of the lead locomotive slipped off the track, the maintenance team was called. Within the hour, the crew rerailed it by driving it backwards.

“It sounds like it was a minor derailment that they were able to get back on the tracks,” Jaixen said.

Jaixen said the cause of the derailment was under investigation, however, after the locomotive was rerailed, Union Pacific workers cleaned the tracks of snow with shovels and brooms. They also measured distance between the tracks.

Jaixen said this was to ensure the tracks were still in alignment.

“That was part of the investigation and also to make sure there was no damage to the tracks,” he said.