Towner County, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — On Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, a BNSF freight train carrying grain derailed north of Churchs Ferry, a small town located west of Devils Lake along U.S. Highway 2. The incident occurred around 7:40 a.m., resulting in 11 rail cars leaving the tracks. Five of the cars remained upright, while six tipped onto their sides.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the train crew, and officials have confirmed that there is no threat to the public. The derailment took place in a swampy area, which may have contributed to the incident. Ramsey County Sheriff Bryan Lang indicated that issues with the track or the ground beneath it could be factors in the derailment.
BNSF crews, along with a cleanup company, promptly responded to the scene to recover the spilled grain and upright the derailed cars. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Did you know?
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North Dakota’s rail network is extensive, with BNSF operating numerous lines across the state.
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The Churchs Ferry-Rolla line, part of BNSF’s network, has a maximum speed of 25 mph and is primarily used for grain transportation.
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Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of rail infrastructure.
For more updates on this developing story, visit TRF News.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.