Liquefied petroleum tankers derail in Connell

Four rail cars, including three tankers loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, tumbled off a track in a low-speed accident in Connell Sunday evening.

Gus Melonas, spokesman for BNSF Railway, said three tankers and an empty boxcar were involved in the 5:15 p.m. incident, which occurred as a shortline railroad was moving cars.

Nothing spilled but the overturned cars blocked a railroad crossing for several hours. The cause is under investigation.

Two of the tanker cars were put back on the tracks by 1:30 a.m. and the other two were moved aside to an industry line. The main line returned to service by 1:40 a.m.

Damage to the side track will be repaired this week, he said.