BNSF train derails in Fridley; Northstar service halted

Two Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad workers sustained minor injuries Saturday morning when a train derailed near the Rice Creek Bridge in Fridley.

The two were the only people on the train, which was made up of 17 cars and two locomotives. BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth said crews are investigating at the scene. She said the company believes the derailment was caused by a washout that occurred as a result of recent heavy rain.

"The washout occurred near the bridge, so certainly the bridge is impacted and the washout occurred around that as well," McBeth said. "That will all be part of what we're going to have to repair once we get the cars moved out of the area."

McBeth said the washout was west of the bridge. She said rail crews and the local fire department are working to contain a diesel fuel and prevent it from getting into the Mississippi River.

The main BNSF tracks are out of service and McBeth says as yet there is no estimate on when repairs will be completed.

Northstar rail service runs on the same tracks. A Metro Transit spokesman said regular and special train service for the Twins game today have been canceled.

"It may impact service beyond today and into tomorrow, but we don't have that confirmed yet," said Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland.