Freight train derailment blocks Marquette river access

MARQUETTE — Three cars of a Canadian Pacific Railway freight train came off the tracks Thursday under the Marquette-Joliet Bridge, blocking access to the Marquette riverfront.

The accident occurred at approximately noon. A former CP Rail employee who had spoken to the train’s engineer said the cars came off the tracks as they went over the north switch to the wye leading into the West Yards. He indicated that the train’s engineers would likely be drug tested as part of routine procedures. One of the train’s three cars came off its trucks and onto the ground while another tipped partially onto its side and a third was lifted into the air by the overturning car.

All three cars were carrying sand, none of which appeared to spill. The train’s two engines, which were just ahead of the derailed cars, remained upright. No injuries were reported in the incident. MarMac Police and CP Police Service officials helped with traffic control.

The derailment blocked access to the Marquette riverfront, including access to three residences, only one of which was occupied at the time of the derailment. Several boaters on the Mississippi River were also unable to leave the Marquette Marina parking lot until a temporary access road was built Thursday afternoon.

Read more in the Wednesday, August 29, 2018 edition of The Outlook.