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BNSF Train Derails In Denver, Sends 3 Empty Cars Into South Platte River

DENVER (CBS4) - Several freight train cars derailed in Denver Saturday morning. Burlington Northern Santa Fe confirmed the crash happened at around 6 a.m.

Train Cars Derail 1 (mcclure)
(credit: CBS)

Officials said three of seven cars fell into the South Platte River. There are no reported injuries and the cause is under investigation.

"I'm very curious," said Elizabeth Horner, who lives nearby. "Was it the snow, was it human error, should we be concerned?"

TRAIN INTO RIVER 5VO.transfer_frame_383
(credit: CBS)

On Saturday, crews worked to clean up the area and remove the train cars from the river.

Denver Parks and Recreation Department closed a portion of the South Platte River Trail in the Globeville area due to the train derailment. The closure came as a surprise to some people trying to bike or scooter into town.

"I didn't hear anything this morning, so it's pretty surprising to come over here and see all this," said Tim Bury.

UPDATE as of Feb. 14, 4:30 p.m.: The Trail has now reopened. February 12, 2022: A train derailment has closed the South Platte River Trail in the Globeville area near I-25 and I-70 until further notice.

Posted by Denver Parks and Recreation on Saturday, February 12, 2022

BNSF has not confirmed if the bridge is the cause of the derailment.

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