Train derails north of Salem, cause under investigation

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say a train derailed north of Salem early Sunday, breaking a utility pole that resulted in power outages and causing a small fire.

Michael Williams, a spokesman for Portland and Western Railroad, said by email that there were no injuries and no hazardous materials were involved. He says the cause is under investigation.

He says the incident involved the first eight cars of a 29-car train and occurred at Hopmere.

Of the eight cars, he says three carried wood pulp, three carried potassium sulfate and two were empty lumber cars.

Fire officials in a release said a small, smoldering fire started in brush as a result of the downed lines and was extinguished.

KTVZ 2019