Train derailment closes down I-25 in Colorado, semi-truck driver killed
Colorado's I-25 around Pueblo is now shut down in both directions following a trail derailment on Sunday.
State patrol spokesperson Gary Cutler told CNN that the driver of a semi-truck was killed in the incident. No other information on injuries has been reported as of Monday morning.
“It is sad to report that there is one confirmed fatality,” Brian Lyons of the Colorado State Patrol said during a news conference on Sunday.
The train operated by BNSF Railway was transporting coal and derailed around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday as it was crossing the interstate on an overpass, Lyons said.
Authorities in Colorado advised motorists to avoid the area and to expect delays. As of Monday morning, the Pueblo County's Sheriff's Office said the interstate between Mile Marker 110 to Highway 50 was still closed.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.
Images of the scene posted by law enforcement agencies show several train cars splattered across the interstate and a semi-truck appearing be stuck under a collapsed railroad bridge.
In a statement to USA TODAY, BNSF Railway said none of their crew were injured in the incident, and crew members are onsite helping clean up.
In a statement, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said he's been in contact with Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Additionally, Buttigieg stated that U.S. Department of Transportation staff were heading to the area to assist.
"State & local authorities are leading the immediate emergency response, and we will be ready to help in any way needed to support a swift return to normal use for the highway and rail routes affected," Buttigieg said.
The National Transportation Safety Board says it is currently investigating the incident.
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