Train derails in Milbank, spilling grain and closing crossings

Milbank, SD — At least 20 Burlington Northern Santa Fee rail cars and two locomotives have derailed in Milbank, closing two crossings in the community.

Milbank Police Chief Boyd VanVooren says it happened early this morning when a pickup pulling a gooseneck trailer got stuck at a crossing. The driver got out but the trailer was hit by the train, pushing it into another train. No one on the train was injured.

VanVooren says a massive cleanup will be needed because many cars spilled grain.

He says the train was long enough that it initially covered all of the crossings in Milbank. Two crossings have since been reopened, the other two will likely be closed for some time.

VanVooren said they are waiting for inspectors to arrive before they can clear the scene.