Early yesterday morning two Union Pacific locomotives derailed while crossing the Hoffman Swing Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota. Authorities believe approximately 3,200 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the Mississippi River.
Several booms were deployed up to eight miles away from the derailment sight in an attempt to contain the spilled fuel and minimize the environmental impact. The Coast Guard temporarily closed the river to all vehicle traffic as far as ten miles south of the bridge.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said it is still too early to know the extent of the damage the environment and wildlife may face as a result of the diesel fuel spill.
2 locomotives derail in St. Paul, spilling diesel into Mississippi River
