UP coal train derails in Wyoming

BILL, Wyo. — Twenty-one cars of a Union Pacific coal train derailed today (July 10), blocking UP’s route to ship coal out of the Powder River Basin.

Cowboy State Daily reports the derailment occurred about 6:30 a.m. approximately 4 miles southeast of Lusk, Wyo., which is 130 miles north of Cheyenne. No injuries were reported.

James Santistevan, Niobrara County Emergency Coordinator, told the news site that the spilled coal did no harm to any waterways.

A Union Pacific representative told Wyoming Public Radio that the cause was under investigation, and that the railroad did not have an estimate when the line would reopen.