Trestle bridge in US collapses under freight train carrying urea Railcar crashes into river

On January 4, a trestle bridge in Corvallis, Oregon, the US, collapsed as a freight train crossed over it, causing a railcar carrying urea—a chemical used in fertilizer—to fall into Mary’s River, according to the Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR).

The incident occurred around noon near Avery Park. PNWR confirmed that the 19-car train was on the bridge when it gave way. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, Caliber.Az writes via foreign media. 

Authorities have asked residents to avoid the area. The Corvallis Police Department has also warned people to stay out of Mary’s River as emergency crews work to contain the potential chemical spill. Containment booms are being deployed near the river to prevent further environmental impact.

An investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway.

Local residents noted the bridge has had issues in the past, including a fire that damaged it years ago. “Obviously we were like, is that the one that caught on fire? And surely it was,” said Crystal, a nearby resident.

The collapse has also stranded two locomotives on the far side of the river, with no connection to the main rail network until the bridge is repaired.

Emergency crews remain on the scene, working to mitigate risks and assess damages.

By Khagan Isayev