BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — A freight train has derailed in northern Idaho near the Kootenai River, but BNSF officials say nothing has spilled into the waterway and no hazardous materials were involved.
BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says the train with three locomotives derailed at 1:55 a.m. Thursday five miles east of Bonners Ferry. The train, which originated in Great Falls, Montana, and was heading to Pasco, Washington, was carrying 116 loads of general merchandise, including beer products and grain.
Melonas says 19 cars containing a powder form of clay derailed.
He says crews planned to work through the night in hopes of reopening the line by Friday morning.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
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