Train Derailment at Walcott Closes Train Traffic in Both Directions

JUNE 10, 2025 |

Photo – Walcott train derailment – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99

A train derailment at Walcott Junction closed rail traffic in both directions on Monday morning.

Two loaded Union Pacific trains derailed at Walcott Junction, north of Interstate 80. At least 15 train cars appear to have been damaged in the incident, including several loaded tanker cars. No one was injured.

Unconfirmed reports indicate a wheel bearing exploded on one of the train cars, causing freight and tanker cars to come off track. At the same time, a separate train traveling in the opposite direction was caught in the derailment, blocking both northbound and southbound lines.

Several of the cars came to rest against a Carbon Power and Light electrical pole, causing the company to shut off electricity to the area.

The Carbon County Fire District responded to the scene soon after the crash. Fire Chief John Rutherford explained the tanker cars were loaded at the time of the incident. However, the chemicals stored in the railcars were never at risk of exploding.

First responders detected a strong chemical odor near the wrecked train. Fire Chief Rutherford said the smells were most likely coming from the electrical poles, the contents of the tanker cars, and a crushed propane tank used to heat the nearby rail switches.

Chief Rutherford said fire crews inspected the entire wreck and found no cause for concern. As of yesterday afternoon, the incident appeared to be under control.

Chief Rutherford reiterated Union Pacific workers and emergency crews were never at risk of an explosion. However, the Fire Chief cautioned the derailment still poses a danger.

With no risk of fire, the Carbon County Fire District was no longer needed at the scene. Chief Rutherford said Union Pacific is now responsible for clearing the wreckage from the tracks.

Bigfoot99 reached out to Union Pacific for additional details on the derailment. As of this morning, the railroad has not responded to our information request.

Fire Chief Rutherford, said on Tuesday morning, the Carbon County fire crews “used gas monitoring instruments to assure no flammable or combustible atmospheres were detected” in the Hot Zone.