Freight train derails in northwestern Wisconsin, 31 cars off the track; no injuries reported

Freight train derails in Wisconsin; no injuries

HAGER CITY, Wis. — Thirty-one cars of a Burlington Northern-Sante Fe freight train have derailed, with some striking a pet food processing plant in northwestern Wisconsin.

Pierce County emergency management officials say no one was injured in the derailment on Monday. Emergency Management director Gary Brown says about 30 employees of the Ralston Purina plant in Hager City, Wis., were temporarily evacuated, as well as about 14 people from nearby homes.

Brown said some of the train’s 72 cars contained various acids, but there were no leaks. He says damage to the Ralston Purina plant was minimal.

He says the train also hit a bridge overpass, causing local officials to close the bridge until it’s inspected.