Friday, AUGUST 22, 2025 |
Photo – Wednesday train derailment – Courtesy Anna O’Neil of Laramie
A Union Pacific train derailed on Wednesday afternoon between Rock River and Bosler.
The Albany County Sheriff’s office has announced that a Union Pacific train derailed on the line between Laramie and Rawlins. Details remain limited, but early unconfirmed reports suggest the issue may have involved a track defect or mechanical failure. Additionally, unconfirmed reports indicated that the train was carrying “Z” class cargo, which is the railroad’s highest-priority freight.
Laramie resident Anna Oneil witnessed the aftermath of the derailment. Oneil told Bigfoot99 reporter Matt Copeland that around 5:45 p.m., firefighters were putting out flames near a railroad crossing farther up the line toward Laramie. Oneil also saw an ambulance and several police vehicles at the scene, suggesting the incident had occurred shortly before her arrival.
According to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, the derailment occurred around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon. Officials said the train’s brakeman noticed that the rear of the consist had left the tracks and promptly stopped the train. His quick response is credited with preventing a more serious incident.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office reported that damaged railroad ties caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished by first responders. The train crew is reported to be unharmed.
Train traffic appeared to be slowly resuming yesterday afternoon. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Bigfoot99 has reached out to Union Pacific Media Relations Specialist Robynn Tysver for information about the Wednesday derailment. As of this report, Union Pacific has not responded to our request for comment.
