Rail cars jump tracks

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Two railroad cars derailed while traveling through the BNSF railyard Saturday night.

Joe Faust, a spokesman for BNSF, confirmed the derailment which he called "a very minor incident in terms of derailments."

The train was traveling between 1 mph and 4 mph when the cars derailed from the tracks at about 10:15 p.m. The cars, which remained upright during the incident, were carrying liquid petroleum gasoline residue, but none of the contents were spilled onto the tracks or surrounding areas. No injuries were reported. "There was no compromise no spill at all," Faust said.

BNSF worked with Prodirt Construction in Gallup to place the cars back on the tracksthe cars and clear the tracks. Gallup firefighters did not respond to the derailment because no hazardous materials were spilled from the cars.

Faust said derailments are much more serious when the cars land on their sides rather than in an upright position. He had no information as to how many derailments have occurred in Gallup within recent months.

"I don't have any statistics," Faust said. "However, we do run a pretty efficient operation."

Faust said Gallup is considered a part of BNSF's main line of operations.


Vehicles vandalized
At least three vehicles were vandalized this weekend at the 3200 Block of Blue Hill Avenue.

Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman for the Gallup Police Department, said Gallup police officers were called to the area at 8:52 a.m. on Sunday in reference to reports of multiple vehicles with slashed tires. No arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism.

Officers plan to conduct routine patrols of the neighborhood for the remaining summer months.