GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Five grain cars derailed in Cut Bank Sunday afternoon near the Harvest States grain elevator, closing vehicle traffic at the town’s main railroad crossing and shutting down one of two railway tracks, according to the Great Falls Tribune.
Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said the empty cars were derailed using an automatic mechanism on the track.
Employees are investigating why that happened.
The five grain cars, which were being temporarily stored in Cut Bank, were grouped together and not attached to any other train cars. Melonas said the cars were on a side track, waiting to be taken to be filled with grain. Officials do not know what caused the cars to roll away from the spot where they were parked.
When they hit the mechanism, the five cars derailed around 2:45 p.m., causing them to lean toward a main track. A second track remained operational, allowing train traffic to continue.
No one was injured in the derailment. Melonas said there was minimal damage to the train cars and track.
The derailment blocked vehicle traffic at Cut Bank’s main railroad crossing all evening, but cars could cross at two other intersections.
Throughout the day, people stopped to observe the mess and see if progress had been made.
Railroad employees hoped to have the cars removed Monday.