Train spills coal along Clark Fork River

A Montana Rail Link (MRL) train with approximately 30 cars derailed Aug. 13 with full load of coal along the Clark Fork River.

The train was traveling west on the main line between Noxon and Heron when it derailed. The cause is still unknown at this time.

From what was seen at the site across from mile marker 8 on Montana Highway 200, whatever caused the accident made a real mess of the cars, as some were near unrecognizable.

It is unknown as to how much coal spilled into the river and may not be approximated until after the clean-up is complete.

The Lower Creek Road that runs parallel to the train line has been closed to traffic other than locals residing on the road or one of the off roads until the clean-up is complete.

Black Knight Security and Investigations has been contracted to keep watch over the site entrance until such time that the track is clean and clear.

It is also unknown at this time if the rail line itself has been damaged due to the accident. As of Aug. 14, confirmations could not be given to determine when trains will be able to run again on the line.

In a statement from MRL on Aug. 14, representative Jim Lewis said that an estimated time for rail traffic to resume has not been determined.

Trains have been pulled up along the east side of the line all the way through to Plains due to the accident in the west.

Heron residents Bob and Lou Springer were at the viewing point Montana Highway 200 Monday afternoon after the accident.

“They run too many trains along the track,” said Lou Springer.

“It’s like they run up to four an hour, that’s what it seems like when we hear the horns as they go past,” added Bob Springer. “It’s not if, it’s when; the way these trains go through and at the speed some of them travel, we’re amazed there hasn’t been more accidents. It’s not something we want to happen, but we’re also not surprised that it has happened.”

Though they were clear not to put direct blame on the company or the conductor, they more wanted to stress that perhaps MRL should be looking more closely at how the trains travel through rural areas like Sanders County.

The Springers aren’t the only county residents that show concern with regard to train speeds and loads. On local Facebook page “Sanders County 411,” locals have voiced concerns loud and clear.

One member of the page stated, “Need to slow down, going to fast ... and toooo many cars for one thing.” While another member of the page stated, “When MRL trains go through [Thompson Falls] they go far too fast. We’ve clocked them at 45 mph.”

Even though locals across the county are expressing concern as to the speeds and loads traveling through both the day and night, they are equally relieved that the load to which derailed was not carrying hazardous materials.

According to MRL press release sent out Aug.15, the rail line was aiming to be reopened later that day.

MRL also stated that they estimated very little of the load made it into the river. Clean up processes could continue for several weeks with investigations continuing through that time.

MRL also stated they’ll to be working with the Federal Railroad Administration with their investigation of the accident.

“We just hope they do a good job cleaning up the mess. It is their responsibility to do so after all,” Bob Springer said.

- As of Monday August 21,2017; Montana Rail Link spokesman Jim Lewis says that the total down time the rail line was out was 45hr. Full and total clean up will continue for a few weeks yet as crews are still on site working. It is still unknown what the cause of the derailment was, but authorities are continueing the investigations for answers, Any damages that occurred due to the accident were repaired before the line went active, there are no other known repairs to be made at this time.