Weather Likely the Cause of Train Derailment Near Lund

At approximately 10:10 PM Thursday, Cedar Communications received a 911 call about a train, which had derailed near Lund, Utah.   The occupants advised there had been water covering the track just before the train derailing.  The three occupants of the train had injuries and they had been able to exit the train and get on the upper side of the locomotive.  

Due to the rising floodwaters, the occupants could not evacuate off the top of the derailed locomotive. One crew member had a head injury, which was bleeding. Due to the remote location and lack of medical supplies, there was a concern for the wellbeing of those injured.

Due to the weather and floodwaters in the area deputies and other emergency personnel had a difficult time getting to the three.  At approximately 12:50 AM Friday, deputies and other responding personnel were able to make contact with the injured.  After some time, the men were transferred off the train. They were then transported to the hospital for further treatment.  Two occupants were in good condition and one was in stable condition. 

There were approximately 95 cars involved with unknown cargo/freight.  ICSO and Union Pacific ask that the public remain out of the area until the cars are removed.  

The following agencies assisted with this incident.  Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Iron County Roads Department, Cedar City Fire Department, Washington County Swift Water team, Union Pacific, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, Southern Utah University Police Department (Off-duty officer in the area) Gold Cross Ambulance, and Beaver County Ambulance. 

The scene is being turned over to the NTSB and Union Pacific.