Media contact: 360-664-1116 or media@utc.wa.gov
LACEY, Wash. – Rail safety inspectors from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) have ended their investigation of a recent train derailment near Wallula, Washington, which involved five refrigerated railcars along the Columbia River.
The derailment happened around 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 6. One of the five railcars derailed into the river, spilling about 2,600 gallons of diesel fuel from an onboard tank used to manage the refrigeration system.
Diesel fuel is not considered unsafe in this instance, and Union Pacific Railroad quickly deployed clean-up crews and containment measures. Barriers were used to capture the diesel spill, and the clean-up contractor has been working on-site since early Nov. 6. As of Nov. 8, all railcars were re-railed, and cleanup was done.
The UTC partners with the FRA to help oversee compliance with federal safety standards and respond to rail incidents.
The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, approving safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Operation Lifesaver.
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