A main rail line in Winfield was reopened this week, following an 11-car train derailment that occurred Dec. 24, just north of the fairgrounds.
The derailment involved a train hauling taconite – a sedimentary rock – from Superior, Wisc. to Eagle Pass, Texas, according to Andy Williams, director of public affairs for BNSF Railway. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.
Around 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day the cars left the track on the main line next to a rail "siding" area where trains can move to the side to make way for other rail traffic. Two of the 11 cars involved remained upright following the derailment.
The siding area was cleared within 12 hours and all rail traffic was diverted around the derailment using the siding tracks. The main line was repaired and reopened on Monday, Williams said, though some clean up work has continued through the week.
No local emergency crews were notified of the derailment. Winfield fire marshal Alan Stoll said that is not uncommon in a situation where there are no injuries and the materials inside the rail cars are not hazardous.
