A train derailment in northern Peoria County left more than 40 rail cars off the tracks but no injuries. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway train was heading west near the community of Laura, Illinois. The incident came as severe thunderstorms moved through the area. Andy Williams is a spokesman with BNSF. He says no roadways were blocked by the train, and crews are working to clear the two rail lines:
“There were 43 cars that were blow over. They’ll assess the best way to access those cars, go in, get them uprighted so they can be moved out of the way and then any goods that were damaged will be collected and moved out of the area,” Williams says.
Williams says high winds appeared to cause the derailment. The rail cars contained consumer goods and food products. Motorists should expect intermittent 15 minute closures of IL 78 near the railroad viaduct in Laura the next two or three days for cleanup. The incident also left about 1,000 Ameren customers temporarily without power.