Multiple Train Cars Derail in Colorado Crash

Two trains collided Thursday night in Boulder, Colorado, resulting in several cars derailing and injuring two conductors, police said.
The crash occurred on train tracks between Pearl Parkway and the intersection of Arapahoe Avenue and 48th Street, according to the Boulder Police Department.
At approximately 10:43 p.m., a southbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train traveling from Valmont Road to Pearl Parkway collided with other train cars on the track, causing the derailment. The Boulder Police Department said that a rail bridge was also destroyed in the crash.
The cause of the collision is not yet clear at this time.
Drone footage captured from the aftermath shows the wreckage of the train overturned on the tracks and both trains crumpled across the tracks.
Two conductors were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after the incident, police said.
Both train drivers have now been released, according to officials.
The crash led to several road closures in the area; however, they have now all reopened, authorities said. The crash also caused a power outage which affected 92 households near the train crash. Power had been restored to the area as of Friday morning, according to the energy outlet’s outage map.
The BPD announced that BNSF Railway has taken over the response to the train collision that occurred the previous night.
Kendall Sloan, BNSF Director of External Communications, told Newsweek there is “no threat to the public” after the incident.
“BNSF can confirm at approximately 11:13 p.m. CST Thursday, a train derailed near Boulder Creek, Colorado. Two crew members were taken to the hospital with injuries and have since been released. A small amount of fuel spilled from the locomotive but is not impacting the creek. Crews are on site working to clear the incident as quickly and safely as possible.
“There is some damage to the bridge over the creek that is currently being evaluated.”
The train, about a mile long, did not cause significant city property damage aside from some trees.
Police said the train wreckage would take some time to clean up and move the cars following the Thursday evening derailment.
Initially, there were concerns about fuel leaking from the engine into a creek, but it appears the fuel was absorbed by spilled sand from one of the cars, police and the rail company said.
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Update, 08/23/24, 10:07 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and comment. The headline was also updated.
Update, 08/23/24, 11:57 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.