Sibley, Iowa — Two Sibley-area streets were blocked by a train for several hours on Monday, June 21st.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Union Pacific Railroad advised them that 180th Street and 11th Avenue would be blocked by a train for several hours. The county dispatcher advised that they were told by the railroad that rail crews would be attempting to load out the cars that derailed in May.
That derailment, on Sunday, May 16th, caused nearly four dozen cars of the Union Pacific train to jump the tracks in Sibley, prompting evacuations of homes and businesses. No injuries or adverse reactions were reported.
The railroad confirmed shortly after the incident that the train was carrying hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, asphalt, and residue of highly explosive ammonium nitrate in an otherwise empty car, but the EPA later confirmed there had been no environmental damage.
Early reports said that a railroad bridge over Otter Creek was destroyed in the derailment. Railroad representative Robynn Tysver says the bridge was not destroyed. However, aerial photos of the aftermath show the bridge was re-railed with new ties.
According to Tysver, the cause of the derailment is still unknown and remains under investigation.
Photo courtesy Dave Herbert
