Coal Train Derailment and Bridge Collapse

On October 15th, 2023  just before 15:30 Pueblo County Sheriff Emergency Services Bureau (ESB) Fire Team was dispatched by Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center to I-25 near mile marker 107 on a rail incident. It was reported by multiple 9-1-1 callers that a train had derailed along with a bridge collapse over I-25 and a semi truck and trailer were crushed in the debris. Mutual-aid was immediately requested from Pueblo West Fire Department as crews went enroute. Due to the nature of the incident I-25 northbound and southbound lanes were impassable and the traffic backup was large and spilled onto side streets. Additional help was requested in the form of a heavy rescue from Pueblo Fire Department, but they were unable to fulfil the request due to a structure fire they were working in their district. Command requested Fort Carson Fire & Emergency Services and Colorado Springs Fire Department heavy rescue crews to respond to assist with the stabilization and recovery of the driver who was deceased when crews made access. During the derailment a propane tank was also damaged and began to leak. Firefighters from several departments monitored it with a charged hose ready until they were able to flip it and shut it off. Firefighters remained on scene for over 7 hours working the incident. I-25 remained closed from exit 102 to exit 110 while the NTSB and BNSF investigate the derailment and as the cleanup continued. Additional information provided by Code 4 Photography

Units on Scene:

ESB: Engine 131, Tender 191, Tender 192, Brush 164 & multiple support units

Pueblo West: Chief 801, Chief 802, Chief 803, District Chief 1, District 3, Rescue 881 & Engine 833

Pueblo Chemical Depot Fire Department: Truck 1251

Fort Carson: Battalion Chief 31, Heavy Rescue 31 & Collapse Rescue 31

Colorado Springs: Battalion Chief & Heavy Rescue 17

West Park Fire Department: Chief 804 & Air/Light Trailer

Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response, Pueblo Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado State Patrol HazMat, CDOT, CDOT Safety Patrol, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) & Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Police Department