Bridge Collapse Sends PNWR Railcar Into Marys River
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of PNWR
CORVALLIS, Ore. - A Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR) railcar fell into the Marys River after a trestle bridge in Oregon collapsed.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, January 4th. A PNWR spokesperson said the 19-car train was crossing the bridge when it collapsed but that there were no injuries. Additionally, the railroad is working with environmental agencies and first responders to investigate and coordinate clean-up, including setting up “containment booms near the river to avoid any leaked materials.” The railcar was carrying urea, a chemical used for fertilizer.
Images from KEZI and the Corvallis Police Department show one car submerged in the river with two other freight cars “considered unstable.” Officials will need cranes to remove the derailed cars. They will also “have to get gravel down to make roads in order to get the heavy equipment in to unload and remove all the railcars.” ODOT records show the last time the bridge was inspected was less than two months ago, in November 2024.
