Coal Train Derails Near Danville, One Injured

21 cars being pulled by a BNSF freight train derailed yesterday after they were struck by a grader that backed on to the tracks while doing road repairs.

At around 8:08 am the accident was first reported in the area of Highway 34 and 210th Avenue, just west of Danville. The operator of the grader, 39 year old Brian Rhan of Ferguson, Iowa, was thrown 40 feet in the air following the collision. He was taken to Great River Medical Center.

Rhan was conducting road repairs on Highway 34. There we no injuries to any of the train crew.

In total, 19 coal cars derailed, causing some to crush or overturn. Two locomotives also derailed.

Burlington Northern Railroad Spokesman, Andy Williams, says that “the two tracks at the site are out of service until the spilled coal is removed and any track repairs are finished; no word on how long that might take.”

Amtrak passengers had to disembark at Ottumwa. Amtrak made arrangements for the passengers to get to their destination by bus.

The accident is still under investigation.

One car separated from the engine.

One car separated from the engine.

Another look at the train.

Another look at the train.