BNSF Railroad Train Derails Due to Mudslide in Wever, Iowa

April 13th, 2010 |

WEVER, IA – The derailment happened a little after 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening on April 7. According to eyewitnesses, several cars went off the tracks north of Wever, Iowa near the Skunk River.

The cause of the accident was said to be due to a mudslide in that area that happened Wednesday evening.

According to BNSF officials, three empty coal cars derailed between Kemper and Burlington. The train was completely empty at the time the cars overturned and there were no injuries reported. BNSF crews arrived at the scene.

Deputies for The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office said the derailment did not impact roadways. This is the second BNSF train derailment in less than a month.

Just over two weeks ago a BSNF train carrying coal derailed in Alexandria, Missouri. That derailment is still under investigation.

A representative of Burlington Northern Santa Fe told KHQA Thursday morning that this was a small derailment of three empty cars. Two of the cars were back with the train and the train was on the move. One car was moved aside and the track was reopened.

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