BNSF train cars derail near Yakima River bridge in Richland, causes traffic backups

Eight train cars carrying corn derailed near the Yakima River train bridge Friday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the area just after 4 p.m. when the BNSF rail cars went off the track. BNSF is still investigating what sent the cars off of the rails.

Columbia Park Trail and Steptoe Street were closed while the crews worked to clear the area. The closures caused traffic to back up, including on Highway 240.

Most of the train was moved from the area by Saturday morning, BNSF spokeswoman Courtney Wallace told the Herald.

Crews are working on getting the remaining cars on the rails and cleaning up the spilled corn.

No one was hurt.

This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 6:03 PM.