Empty train derails near Sterling, sparks grass fires

trainderail_1362262984575.jpg

Derailed empty coal cars near Sterling.
(Photo courtesy: Chief Kurt Vogel/Sterling Fire)

Posted: 03/02/2013
Last Updated: 108 days ago

STERLING, Colo. - Authorities say an empty coal train derailed and sparked several small grass fires near Sterling in northeastern Colorado.

About 12 empty coal cars of the BNSF train derailed at about 8:40 a.m. Saturday. No injuries were reported but CDOT said Highway 138 was closed for a time at Logan County Road 43.  It reopened about six hours after the accident.

Chief Kurt Vogel  of Sterling Fire Department told 7NEWS the fires were put out quickly.

Sterling is about 130 miles northeast of Denver.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Report a typo or inaccuracy

If you have a news tip or a follow-up to this story, e-mail us.

Trending Now