Wyoming: Freight trains collide; minor injuries

BILL, Wyo. (AP) - A freight train derailed and was struck by another train causing crew members to suffer bumps and bruises, officials said.

Nine cars in an eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train loaded with coal derailed near Bill but remained upright in accordion formation about 6 a.m. Monday, said Gus Malonus, BNSF spokesman.

A westbound Union Pacific train on an adjacent track traveling about 11 mph hit the derailed cars seconds later, UP spokesman John Bromley said.

Two engines and three cars on the UP train then derailed, blocking three tracks, he said.

Damage to the UP train was estimated at $900,000 and no estimate was available for the Burlington Northern train.

One track was reopened Monday night and the others opened late Tuesday, Bromley said.

BNSF officials were investigating the cause, Malonus said.

http://www.trib.com/HOMENEWS/WYO/TrainCollision.html

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), September 15, 2000