Two BNSF Trains Crash and Derail in Thedford, NE

March 11th, 2011 |

THEDFORD, NE – Two BNSF trains crashed in Thedford, Nebraska on Thursday, March 10, 2011 causing 72 rail cars to derail.

Two BNSF trains collide and derail creating a pile of empty railcars in the Middle Loup River in Thedford, NE. Photo credit: Dawn E. Bryant/World-Herald News Service

Thedford is in Thomas County, NE in the north-central part of the state, about 157 miles northwest of Grand Island.

The train accident happened about 5:00 a.m. along two parallel tracks running east and west. There was an eastbound train on one of the tracks and a westbound train with rail cars loaded with coal coming in the opposite direction on the other track.

Location of BNSF train derailment in Thedford, NE on Thursday, March 10, 2011.

In the collision, 20 empty rail cars from the eastbound train were flung into the Middle Loup River and 52 cars loaded with coal from the westbound train jumped the tracks spilling a mountain of coal next to the rails on the east side of the tracks as a result.

One witness who was awakened by the crash described it like thunderclaps from a loud thunderstorm.

According to reports, there were no injuries and fortunately, no railroad workers were injured in the mishap. Also, there were no reports of any hazardous materials involved in the incident.

Thedford is a small town, which is the County seat of Thomas County, having a population of only 211.

The cause of the incident is not known at this time. BNSF officials believe that the rails should be opened up within 24 to 36 hours.

Published by FELA lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP