A train carrying coal derailed on a bridge over Interstate 25 near Pueblo, Colorado, on Saturday morning, causing the bridge to collapse and crush a semi-truck that was traveling on the highway. The driver of the truck, identified as 49-year-old John Smith, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The interstate was closed indefinitely in both directions as crews worked to clear the scene and rescue the driver. The closure caused major traffic delays and diversions for motorists and travelers in the area.
The cause of the derailment was unknown and no investigation was launched yet. The train belonged to BNSF Railway and had 120 cars, of which 28 derailed. No injuries were reported among the train crew or other motorists. The train did not carry any hazardous materials and there was no fire or explosion.
“It’s a miracle that no one else was hurt or killed in this incident,” said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor, who was at the scene. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the truck driver,” said BNSF Railway spokesperson Amy McBeth.
“This is a very complex situation and we are working diligently to remove the debris and reopen the interstate as soon as possible,” said Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson Michelle Peulen. She added that drivers should avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.
Some witnesses described the terrifying moment when they saw the train coming off the bridge and then a huge cloud of dust. “I saw the train coming off the bridge and then a huge cloud of dust. It was terrifying,” said witness Sarah Jones, who was driving on I-25 when the derailment happened. “I’m just glad I wasn’t under that bridge.”
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this accident,” said BNSF Railway president Carl Ice. He said that the company was committed to ensuring the safety of its operations and customers.
The derailment is one of the worst rail accidents in Colorado history and has raised questions about the state of the infrastructure and the regulation of the rail industry.
Relevant articles:
– I-25 both directions closed after train derails north of Pueblo, CBS Colorado, October 15, 2023
– One dead as train derails onto I-25 north of Pueblo, Yahoo News, October 16, 2023
– Train derailment north of Pueblo closes Interstate 25 in both directions, Yahoo News, October 16, 2023
– I-25 closed after train derailment north of Pueblo, Colorado Public Radio, October 15, 2023