Historic bridge closed due to train derailment in Portland, Oregon, affecting both vehicle and train traffic.
At around 6:15 a.m. local time, close to the eastern side of the Union Pacific Steel Bridge in Portland, Oregon, about five cargo train cars derailed. Union Pacific representative Meg Siffring made this known in a statement to CNN.
"The train cars were empty. Cleanup is currently underway, and the reason for the derailment is being investigated," the railroad company mentioned.
Portland Fire and Rescue tweeted that one of the train cars is now resting against a support pillar under the bridge. "Bridge has been shut down and is now completely closed to all train, automobile, and pedestrian traffic."
No one was injured in the incident, and there were no concerns related to hazardous materials, as reported by the fire department.
The Steel Bridge, which is 111 years old, boasts a unique and striking design, allowing trains to cross its lower level while cars travel on its upper level. There's also additional room for bikes and pedestrians. Depending on the size of the passing ship in the Willamette River, either the lower deck or both decks of the bridge can be raised.
Portland Fire and Rescue stated that the bridge would remain closed until they could evaluate its structural integrity. They also mentioned that there would be close collaboration with Union Pacific to devise a plan for addressing the wreckage.
Concerning the investigation, Union Pacific engineers were scheduled to inspect the bridge's structural performance on Monday morning.
Another incident involving numerous train cars derailing occurred in New Mexico on Friday. This led to evacuations that extended until Sunday. According to BNSF Railway, 6 of the derailed train cars were carrying propane. Not a single injury was reported, and the National Transportation Safety Board will be looking into this situation.
Portland's Steel Bridge facing closures coincides with growing concerns about the stability of bridges, following a cargo ship colliding with a pillar of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in May. The violent crash destroyed the significant passageway and took six lives.
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Source: edition.cnn.com