Freight train with coupler problem blocks Cooley Road

A problem with the couplers that connect cars on a BNSF freight train blocked Cooley Road on Bend’s north end for close to two hours Wednesday evening.

The incident involved “a coupler issue that requires mechanical adjustments,” but was “not a derailment,” said railroad spokesman Gus Melonas in Seattle.

The northbound train originated in Barstow, California and was heading to Vancouver, Washington, hauling general freight when it “experienced a coupler issue,” Melonas said.

Some residents said they heard a loud bang and saw one part of the train unhooked from another.

Melonas said BNSF mechanical and operations crews were investigating the incident.