Union Pacific Train Derailment Shuts Down I-84 near Weatherby, OR

January 3rd, 2011 |

WEATHERBY, OR – A westbound Union Pacific freight train derailed about 30 miles east of Baker City, OR near Weatherby causing a large section of Interstate 84 to be shut down.

Union Pacific train derailment on December 31, 2010 near Weatherby, OR shuts down Interstate 84 between La Grande and Ontario. Photo credit: Oregon State Police.

Weatherby is an unincorporated city in Baker County, Oregon located in the eastern part of the state on the border with Idaho. Weatherby sits alongside Highway 84 in between Baker City and Ontario.

The derailment occurred on Friday, December 31, 2010 around 11:40 a.m. in the morning near exit 335 on I-84 on a section of track that runs alongside the interstate.

According to Oregon State Police, there were no injuries and no railroad workers were hurt in the mishap. There were no hazardous materials involved, and no one from the train had to be evacuated, either.

Location of Union Pacific train derailment alongside I-84 at exit 335 near Wetherby, OR.

After the incident, emergency crews responded to the mishap and closed the highway until it was determined that none of the cargo posed any danger to the community. Approximately 116 miles of the interstate was closed in both directions between La Grande in the north to Ontario in the south.

It is apparent from the photos that some of the rail cars that derailed were open-top cars with canvas covers. Unfortunately, no other specific information was available as to the number of cars in the train or the number of cars that derailed or the extent of the damage to the tracks.

Travelers were persuaded to use caution and the Oregon Department of Transportation said that there were no alternate routes.

Published by FELA lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP