A train derailed Saturday afternoon after the structural failure of a bridge over the Marys River, sending multiple train cars, including one carrying urea fertilizer, crashing down. The accident, which occurred around 12:08 PM PT near Avery Park in Corvallis, Oregon, involved a train operated by the Portland & Western Railroad.
According to reports from local authorities, the incident began when the bridge collapsed under the weight of the train as it crossed. One of the train’s cars plummeted directly into the river, with at least two others left unstable on the edge of the bridge.
Images captured from the scene show the derailed train car submerged, with part of another hanging precariously over the edge—a dramatic scene illustrating both the force of the collapse and the urgency of the ensuing response from emergency services.
Fortunately, officials confirmed there were no injuries reported as a direct consequence of the derailment. The swift actions of local emergency responders, including the Corvallis Fire Department and the police, have been commendable as they work to stabilize the situation and safeguard public safety. A message from the Corvallis Police urged the community to avoid the area, stating, "For the safety of emergency responders, recovery teams, and all personnel involved, we ask the public to avoid the area. Please follow all roadblocks, detours, and directions from local authorities as recovery efforts continue."
The incident raises significant environmental concerns, especially considering the cargo of one train car, which was transporting urea—a chemical compound widely used as fertilizer but also capable of causing eye, skin, and respiratory irritations upon contact. Following the crash, Corvallis police recommended residents stay away from the river due to the potential contamination from spilled materials, citing the chemical's high solubility and associated health risks.
Corvallis is situated about 40 miles north of Eugene and 83 miles south-southwest of Portland, making the bridge collapse not just a local incident but one with regional ramifications. The Portland & Western Railroad, affiliated with Genesee & Wyoming, operates approximately 478 miles of trackage, wherein safe crossings are pivotal to preventing occurrences like this.
Recovery specialists are on the scene, actively mitigating the environmental impact and ensuring any spilled materials are contained effectively. This effort includes deploying booms to collect any hazardous substances, underscoring the urgency and importance of environmental recovery. The Corvallis Police Department emphasized, "Environmental recovery specialists are committed to resolving the situation quickly and minimizing any environmental impact." This dedication highlights the city's commitment to protecting its waterways and ensuring community health.
Despite the challenges posed by the derailment, the train's operator is working closely with state and local authorities to handle the aftermath efficiently. Further updates are expected as more information about the incident and recovery efforts is made available. Residents will likely receive guidance on when it is safe to return to the area, particularly concerning access to the Marys River.
The events of this day are yet another reminder of the infrastructure challenges faced across the country and raise questions about the integrity of older bridges and rail systems. Local officials and transportation authorities will need to address these concerns to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.