By Railfan & Railroad Staff

MONTROSE, Iowa — A BNSF Railway coal train derailed over the weekend in Iowa after hitting a barge in the Mississippi River.

Yes, the train was still on the tracks. And yes, the barge was still in the river… technically. 

The collision near Montrose, Iowa, occurred after the barge had turned sideways, leaving its nose hanging out over the main line. No one was injured in the incident but two locomotives and six cars derailed. Some diesel fuel and coal ended up in the river. Some area roads were closed on Sunday to make room for cleanup efforts. 

BNSF officials told WGEM News that they were looking at ways to ensure such an incident does not happen again.