Let the trend of train derailments continue. And this most recent one was so bad that it caused a busy interstate to shut down in both directions for an indefinite amount of time.
On Sunday, October 15, tragedy struck in Pueblo, Colorado when a train derailed and collapsed onto Interstate 25 (I-25). The derailment resulted in the death of an 18-wheeler driver and has caused the closure of this major highway for an indefinite amount of time.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with Hazmat crews also assessing any possible diesel leaks from the crushed semi.
This is not the first incident of its kind to occur recently; just three days prior, another train carrying military equipment had derailed in Colorado Springs.
I25 north of Pueblo closed to North & Southbound traffic due to a train derailment impacting interstate. Motorists going north to Colo Springs need to exit @ HWY 50 and go west to Penrose & north HWY 115. Southbound traffic from Colo Springs to Pueblo take HWY 115 south. pic.twitter.com/Kl22L2Tah7
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) October 15, 2023
At around 3:30 pm on Sunday afternoon, a rail bridge supporting 12 coal cars collapsed onto I-25 near Pueblo. The only reported vehicle to have been hit was an 18-wheeler which was travelling northbound at the time, sadly its driver succumbed to their injuries from this crash.
Local law enforcement quickly created alternative routes for drivers who needed to pass through this area while it remained closed off “for the foreseeable future” according to KKTV news station. However, some motorists still opted for trespassing as opposed to using these alternate routes – something that authorities strongly discouraged in their second update on this incident.
Motorist using Overton Road, should use Pace Road to get back to the interstate, which will take you to Exit 110. PLEASE DO NOT CUT THROUGH PRIVATE PROPERTY
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) October 16, 2023
The website COtrip indicated that I-25 would remain closed at least until Monday morning, October 16, but that travelers should expect long delays due to ongoing investigations into what caused this accident.
Furthermore, personnel are working diligently to determine if a propane truck which has been reported as being nearby during the crash might have been involved too.
This tragic event has impacted many people over various aspects such as those travelling along I-25 or those living close by having experienced considerable disruption due to road closures and diversions being put into place.
