Galesburg, Traill County (trfnews.i234.me) – A weather-driven disaster of historic proportions is unfolding in the central Red River Valley near Galesburg, North Dakota, where cleanup is now underway following what may be one of the largest train derailments in U.S. history.
According to local sources and weather data, a storm with recorded wind gusts of 112 mph swept through the area last weekend, toppling hundreds of parked, empty grain cars belonging to BNSF Railway.
A local grain elevator worker reported hearing that approximately 850 rail cars were blown over in the storm, stretching for miles along the tracks.
BNSF has not yet released an official statement, but massive cleanup operations involving heavy equipment and personnel are already being coordinated. The process could extend well into August.
We will continue to monitor BNSF media relations for official updates and bring you the latest as this unprecedented cleanup effort progresses.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.