BNSF locomotive derails, blocks 2 Bend crossings

Bend drivers already navigating streets with packed snow and ice Saturday afternoon faced a new challenge, as a BNSF Railway locomotive derailed and the freight train blocked two crossings for close to two hours.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas in Seattle said a northbound train heading from Bakersfield, Calif., to Pasco, Wash., was on a side track, going about 5 mph around 2:30 p.m. when one set of wheels derailed on the locomotive at the Revere Avenue crossing.

There were no spills or injuries, and the locomotive remained upright, Melonas said, adding that the crossings were cleared by around 4:30 0;m.

A crane was brought in to get the locomotive back on the tracks, a process expected to take until about 8 or 9 p.m., Melonas said.

“BNSF apologizes for the inconvenience,” he said. “We realize this is a very busy time of year, and we’re maximizing efforts to cut the delay.”

The train had not made it to the main line, which remained open and has an average of six or seven freight trains running through Bend daily.