Bridge collapses in the US, chemical tanker plunges into river

A railroad bridge in Montana collapsed, sending a train carrying dangerous chemicals plunging into the Yellowstone River, but no leak has been reported.

Stillwater County Emergency Management Agency (DES), Montana, announced that the bridge over the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus collapsed on the morning of June 24.

The incident caused a Montana Rail Link freight train to fall into the river. Officials have not reported any injuries, but at least three cars carrying hot asphalt and four cars carrying molten sulfur came into contact with the water.

The scene of the Yellowstone River bridge collapse, June 24. Photo: AP

The Montana Department of Natural Resources has closed the river and asked boats to stay away from the area. Nearby Yellowstone County officials have also placed emergency measures at water treatment plants due to a “potential release of hazardous chemicals” from the accident and asked residents to conserve water.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discussed the incident with the Governor of Montana and asked people to follow information and instructions from local authorities.

An AP reporter reported seeing yellow liquid flowing from some of the train cars into the river. DES later said the incident posed no danger to towns in the county.

Montana Rail Link also issued a statement saying that the asphalt and molten sulfur solidified rapidly when exposed to low temperatures. The company added that the two cars carrying sodium hydrogen sulfate (NaHSO4) did not enter the water. Subsequent water and air quality tests found no chemical leaks.

The scene of the bridge collapse on the Yellowstone River, USA, June 24. Photo: AP

The cause of the bridge collapse is under investigation. The Yellowstone River in the US has been rising during recent heavy rains, but it is unclear whether this was the cause of the bridge collapse. In 2020, record flooding in Yellowstone National Park caused extensive damage in the area.

"Long-term high flows can directly impact bridge piers, especially at the riverbed. This force can weaken and cause failures in the bridge foundation and structure," said Robert Bea, an engineering professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

Duc Trung (According to CBS News, AP )

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