Train Derails Near La Salle In Weld County
LA SALLE, Colo. (CBS4) - Crews have been working on cleaning up after six cars of a train derailed.
The train was carrying crude oil when six cars went off the track causing the oil to spill into a ditch.
No one was hurt in the accident but one tanker lost its entire payload spilling all over the ground near water.
"Fortunately it was self contained in the area and now they are able just to vacuum that out," said a crew member.
Union Pacific says inspectors from the Environmental Protection Agency and Parks and Wildlife determined there is no risk to the environment.
The train was only going 10 mph at the time of the accident traveling from Windsor to a destination on the east coast.
It was the only train scheduled for that branch of railroad which cannot be reopened until the heavy tankers are turned over.
"We'll take some time and we don't know when it will be compete, removing the oil from the tank cars. Crews will be working through that the rest of the night," said a crew member.
While considered small the derailment did get some attention from Washington.
Sen. Mark Udall says the accident is a sign that safety standards need to be updated on the rails.