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No damage or injuries after locomotive derails near Trego

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 6 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | March 8, 2023 1:00 PM

A locomotive derailment in Trego earlier this week temporarily blocked an intersection in the Lincoln County community, but caused no other injuries or damage, officials say.

Ice on the tracks likely caused the slow-moving Mission Mountain Railroad locomotive to derail about 11:30 a.m., March 6, said Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short in a press release. None of the five freight cars, laden with lumber, went off the tracks, officials said.

The locomotive remained upright during the derailment.

The disabled train, headed along a spur line system, left the two-lane Fortine Creek Road partially blocked. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies and local firefighters directed traffic until the freight car obstructing traffic was moved.

Officials said the stretch of road fully reopened about 3 p.m.

Short said no hazardous materials were involved in the derailment.

Along with the Sheriff’s Office and the Trego Fortine Stryker Volunteer Fire Department, the county’s Emergency Management Agency and Road Department responded to the scene.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].

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