Minot Train Derailment Shuts Roads Near Downtown

Minot, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — A major train derailment disrupted traffic near downtown Minot early Wednesday.

City officials said 19 train cars left the tracks near the 6th Street underpass.

Four of the derailed cars tipped onto their sides.

The derailment prompted a HAZMAT response and closed several streets during the morning commute.

No residences were reported affected by the incident.

Hazardous Material Car Secured

One derailed rail car was identified as carrying hazardous material.

Officials said that car was secured and removed during the initial emergency response.

Authorities did not immediately identify the material involved.

HAZMAT crews also responded after the derailment damaged a natural gas line.

Crews located the leak while Montana-Dakota Utilities workers responded to the scene.

The City of Minot reported the gas was shut off by 7:03 a.m.

Officials said the leak was secure at that time.

The derailment forced several road closures near the downtown area.

The 6th Street underpass was closed near the Minot Police Department.

Western Avenue was also closed west of 6th Street.

Maple Street and 3rd Avenue Southwest were closed in the affected area.

Drivers were advised to use alternate routes during the cleanup operation.

Two commercial buildings at 700 and 720 Western Avenue were also closed Wednesday.

Officials said no visible damage was found at those buildings.

However, gas repairs were continuing nearby during the morning.

The first emergency call was received shortly after 3:30 a.m.

Firefighters, HAZMAT personnel, utility crews and other emergency responders were sent to the derailment.

Railroad cleanup operations were expected to begin around 9:30 a.m., according to city officials.

Officials had not announced when the closed streets would reopen.

The cause of the derailment also had not been released.

Residents can follow official updates through the City of Minot website.

Drivers should avoid the affected streets while crews continue working near the tracks.

Additional information will be released as the investigation and cleanup continue.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.