Both directions of I-25 closed after train derails north of Pueblo
I-25 is closed going both directions after a train derailed just north of Pueblo Sunday afternoon.
A semitruck was reportedly under the bridge at the time, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Rescue crews are working to extricate the unconscious driver. It is currently unknown if other vehicles are involved.
CSP confirmed at approximately 3:30 p.m. a train carrying coal derailed on a bridge over I-25 just north of Pueblo, Colorado. There are no reported injuries to BNSF crew. The cause remains under investigation.
Colorado State Patrol said around 5:15 p.m. that the bridge the train was traveling on appeared to have collapsed.
It's not clear exactly when the bridge collapsed, but local Leo Star contacted CBS News Colorado and sent pictures of the derailment just before 4 p.m.
A separate picture from CSP shows the truck underneath the collapsed bridge.
I 25 mile post 106 northbound and southbound near PUEBLO is closed due to train derailment. Expect extended closure in the area due to train cars and coal on the interstate.
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) October 15, 2023
It is unclear what led to the derailment of the train. There were multiple agencies currently working the scene.
I25 north of Pueblo closed to North & Southbound traffic due to a train derailment impacting interstate. Motorists going north to Colo Springs need to exit @ HWY 50 and go west to Penrose & north HWY 115. Southbound traffic from Colo Springs to Pueblo take HWY 115 south. pic.twitter.com/Kl22L2Tah7
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) October 15, 2023
Drivers should expect delays in the area. CSP is coordinating detours.
Southbound I-25 is being routed off at exit 110 to a county road that runs parallel to the highway and into Pueblo.
Northbound is being routed to Highway 50 over to Highway 115 and back to I-25.
RELATED: "Catastrophic" hazmat incident in Denver is "highly likely," new study shows
While the contents of the train cars in Sunday's crash were not immediately known, a CBS News Colorado investigation revealed Colorado ranks 26th in the country for train derailments and that risks of catastrophic hazmat incidents in the Denver metro area were "highly likely," according to one study.