More Fallout From Montana Train Derailment and Bridge Collapse

It is likely that there could be more adverse side-effects from the situation in the days to come.

What we do know now is that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, not surprisingly, has implemented an emergency closure on portions of the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus following the partial bridge collapse and train derailment that occurred this past Saturday, June 24, 2023.

For those who might not be aware of the incident, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and a portion of a bridge collapsed into the Yellowstone, which sent some rail cars into the water and prompting concerns about contamination.

A Montana Rail Link spokesperson said that two cars carrying sodium hydro sulfate had not entered the water. The chemical can can burn and cause shortness of breath.

However, that situation among others, promoted Montana FWP to close the Yellowstone River to all public access 1 mile upstream and 2.5 miles downstream of the Twin Bridges Road Railroad Bridge until further notice. The bridge is located in Stillwater County.

In their press release, FWP says that debris from the bridge's partial collapse and train derailment has "rendered this stretch of river unsafe for boating, floating and shoreline use. Clean-up and reconstruction in the area will also create hazardous conditions for the public."

The closure will remain in effect until FWP determines the river is safe for passage and human use. And other river and access site closures are subject to change based on condition assessments and needs of emergency response personnel.

More details on the specific area of closure and what fishing access sites remain open in the area have been posted here by Montana FWP.