Semi hits Portland train; driver killed, 8 rail cars burn

A semi-truck crashed into a freight train on U.S. Highway 30 in north Portland Sunday morning, killing the driver and sparking a fire that damaged eight rail cars. The blaze sent flames 70 feet high, as well as a tall plume of thick, black smoke over the city, officials said.

Portland Fire & Rescue said it responded to a semi-truck that crashed into a train at 8:50 a.m. just south of the St. Johns Bridge. The first arriving fire crews noted at least six rail cars on fire, with flames 70 feet tall.

Fire crews were uncertain of the material that was burning upon arrival, but quickly set up firefighting operations to prevent the fire from spreading. A total of three alarms were called, including responses from PF&R’s Marine response team and HazMat team, as well as Vancouver Fire and Port of Portland Fire.

The semi-truck was carrying flammable fuel, which was the only material that was on fire, officials said. The rail cars contained hot asphalt and did not leak or catch fire, but eight rail cars were damaged by fire. The rail cars were not moving at the time of the accident.

The fire was under control at 10:34 a.m., officials said.

Firefighters say the crash caused fuel to leak underneath the parked train cars and they caught fire. It burned eight train cars, but none leaked the liquid asphalt they contained.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says passenger and freight service in the area won’t be impacted.

The fire occurred on a side track owned by Portland & Western Railroad.

The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management assisted PF&R by activating the Community Emergency Notification System. Residents close to the incident were advised to shelter in place until authorities determined that no threat to public health existed.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team was on scene investigating the crash. No other injuries were reported at the scene, they said.

ODOT said one of two lanes of eastbound Highway 30 was reopened at the St. Johns Bridge Sunday afternoon but westbound lanes were still closed, and warned travelers to expect long delays and backups.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas told The Associated Press the railroad’s main lines were not affected by the crash and fire.