Two lumber rail cars derail in Bend, block tracks

(Update on crews’ progress, video)

A BNSF railway repair crew was called to Bend to put back on the tracks two rail cars carrying lumber that derailed while being moved to a siding Wednesday night, blocking the main BNSF Railway line through the area, a railroad spokesman said.

BNSF representative Gus Melonas in Seattle said the derailment occurred around 10 p.m. Wednesday near the Third Street underpass. Witnesses said it happened near Stars Cabaret.

Crews were pushing cars into a siding from the main track when the two cars derailed, leaving one on its side and the other leaning, Melonas said.

With the main rail line blocked, equipment was brought in overnight from Pasco, Wash., to get the two cars upright and inspect the cars, tracks and cargo for any damage.

Melonas said one of the cars was back on the tracks by mid-morning and other was expected by midday, with trains running again. He said BNSF runs an average of six or seven trains a day on the track through Bend.

The cars were moving at about 5 mph when the derailment occurred, Melonas said, adding that the cause was under investigation.

There were no injuries and no hazardous-materials or environmental threat, the railroad spokesman said.