Derailed train spills diesel near Wallula
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLULA – The Washington State Department of Ecology responded today (Wednesday) to a Union Pacific train derailment near Wallula, along the Columbia River.
According to the agency, an estimated 660 gallons of diesel spilled.
“Diesel fuel was spilled both along the riverbank, and into the Columbia River,” Ecology Spills Acting Communications Manager Jasmin Adams said.
A clean-up contractor is on site and set up a boom where the fuel was released and is tracking the spread of the spill down the river.
Robin Tysver, a spokesperson for the railroad, said at 3:30 a.m., approximately six Union Pacific rail cars carrying frozen French fries derailed south of Wallula. No one was hurt.
Cleanup efforts continue and emergency response authorities have been notified. The incident is under investigation.
Photo via Washington State Department of Ecology
