Train derailment near Brainerd ties up main track

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway is working Monday to clear a main track near Brainerd where 18 cars in a coal train derailed.

The derailment Sunday afternoon left some of the coal cars on their sides. No injuries have been reported.

Officials say the train, on its way to Superior, Wis., had 121 loaded cars and three locomotives. One car typically carries 116 tons of coal. The derailment, east of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, has blocked a main track. BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth says it will result in delays for railroad, so crews are working as quickly as possible to clear the tracks.

McBeth tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press that it's too early to say what caused the derailment.

---

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)