Last updated on June 20, 2021
CUSTER, Wash. — First responders were dispatched to the railroad crossing at Valley View Road, near Portal Way, today, May 9th, about 11am due to a report of derailed rail cars.
According to unconfirmed first responder radio transmissions from the scene, the derailed cars were upright and posed no immediate danger.
The crossing can be expected to remain closed for an extended time.
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Click for more informationBNSF Executive Director Public Affairs Lena Kent said in an email to Whatcom News their crews were in the process of switching local cars when 5 empty hopper cars derailed and remained upright. There were no hazardous materials concerns or injuries associated with this incident. She added that the cause is under investigation.
This incident occurred about 1.3 miles northwest of a derailment and subsequent fire involving oil tanker rail cars that happened on December 22, 2020.
This story was updated 5/9/21 at 2:40pm with information provided by a BNSF spokesperson.