31 train cars derail, spill soda ash near American Falls

UPDATE: According to the Director of Public Affairs of Union Pacific Nathan Anderson, the railway should be cleared by noon Thursday. Cleaning crews have been working since 7a.m. Wednesday morning until the next day, cleaning and clearing away remaining soda ash and derailed train cars.

“No soda ash or other chemicals have reached our near by waterways. But as a precaution we will cover certain areas with tarps until the remaining cleanups have finished,” said Anderson.

By noon, the railroad will be cleared for normal operation to continue.

ORIGINAL STORY: A freight train derailed about 100 yards west where Fish Hatchery Road crosses the tracks. near American Falls Wednesday morning.

According to Sheriff Jim Jeffries, a train carrying soda ash derailed at around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday morning spilling approximately 2,800 tons of the chemical product. 31 rail cars are currently off the tracks.

Soda ash can cause major irritation to the eyes and lungs. People are encouraged to avoid the area while efforts are made to clean up the spill.

Union Pacific Rail Road crews have responded to the accident site and are cleaning up the spilled soda ash and clearing the wrecked cars from the tracks. Both Union Pacific and Power County officials say they are not worried about potential contamination.

Union Pacific is working to clear and clean the tracks as quickly as possible. After finishing cleaning they will check the tracks for any damage and reopen the rail line as soon as possible. They expect this process to take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours.

No one was injured in the accident.

Local authorities have closed roads near the derailment, no word on when they’ll repoen.