High winds blow containers off Union Pacific train near Hot Lake

By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION COUNTY – Trains are some of the safest and most powerful forms of transportation available. Unfortunately, mother nature can and will disrupt every form of transport when and wherever she feels like it.

Following numerous inquiries as to the seemingly discarded railroad shipping containers near Hot Lake along the La Grande Union Highway, Elkhorn Media Group was able to reach out to Union Pacific for more information. According to UP, the two containers were blown off a train in the La Grande area at roughly 5:50 p.m., on January 16 during a period of high wind.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and no contents were spilled as the containers were empty at the time. This serves as a general reminder to always travel with caution during high winds. Even when no precipitation is present, winds can reach high enough speeds to push vehicles and dislodge heavy cargo with ease.