Early yesterday morning (Saturday June 25th), Twin Bridges in between Reed Point and Columbus, MT collapsed sending a portions of a freight train into the Yellowstone River. According to reporting, the train was carrying hazardous materials, including molten asphalt and sulfur. State officials are currently on site assessing next steps. Portions of the river are now closed, and Yellowstone County officials instituted emergency measures at water treatment plants and are advising local residents to conserve water.
Recent rainfall produced high river flows–potentially contributing to the bridge’s collapse but also compounding potential clean up, mitigation efforts. This is a developing story, and we will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Update to previous posts: 10:45 a.m. – The Stillwater River is closed from White Bird Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Yellowstone River.
From Twin Bridges Road to Buffalo Mirage FAS, the public should avoid the water due to potential contaminants. pic.twitter.com/b0gYDJbx9f
— Montana FWP (@MontanaFWP) June 24, 2023
This event comes almost one year, exactly, after historic runoff caused incredibly destructive flooding throughout Montana’s Yellowstone River Basin.
Cover picture from @MontanaFWP.
One Year Ago: Looking Back at the Devastating Montana Floods
