COOK- Ten cars of a Canadian National train, two containing hazardous materials, derailed approximately six miles north of Cook on Monday, the second such incident in the past year along the remote stretch of railway.
At approximately 8:20 p.m. Saint Louis County Sheriff’s deputies along with the Cook Fire Department responded to the derailment in Field Township.
Five of the ten cars had fallen over on their sides, including two containing liquefied petroleum gas – propane and butane – both considered to be hazardous. However, responders found no leaks or spills from the cars.
“This incident was at a remote location, not leaking any hazardous materials, and determined to be not a threat to the public,” said St. Louis County Emergency Management Planner Josh Brinkman. “St. Louis County Emergency Management responded to the derailment to assist with public-private coordination. Pre-evacuation planning was conducted immediately as is protocol and the situation was monitored through the night into the morning for any potential changes.”
An initial release from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office indicated that there were nine cars that went off the tracks, but CN told the Timberjay on Tuesday morning that ten cars were involved.
“We would like to apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to local residents. The cause of the incident is under investigation.” The CN communication did not indicate when regular rail traffic would resume.
On July 30, 2022, 14 rail cars of a northbound CN freight train derailed about seven miles north of Cook. Multiple cars reportedly contained hazardous materials, but no spills or leakage was discovered, and the public was never in danger.
Monday’s incident comes almost four months after the March derailment of a Canadian Pacific freight train in rural North Dakota. According to an Associated Press report, four cars filled with liquid asphalt and two railcars filled with ethylene glycol spilled some of those chemicals in the derailment. The chemical spills were contained at the site of the derailment.
Train derailments are more common than generally known. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are on average about 1,700 derailments per year in the U.S., a little over four per day.