UPDATE: Tracks reopen at site of derailment in McHenry County

BALFOUR, N.D. (KMOT) – UPDATE (5/31 at 5:30 p.m.): The site of a derailment in southern McHenry County reopened to train traffic early Wednesday morning, according to a spokesperson for CPKC Railway.

The company said a half dozen freight cars and a locomotive left the tracks late Tuesday afternoon. The spokesperson said some of the freight cars were carrying items classified as hazardous, but nothing leaked out.

The company indicated it reopened the line after repairing the tracks and inspecting them for safety.

Teams remain on scene and the cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

No one was hurt.

UPDATE (5/30 at 8:30 p.m.): Canadian Pacific Railway said a train derailed near the town of Balfour around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Six cars and a locomotive at the end of the train went off their tracks just north of Highway 52.

Canadian Pacific said all six cars were classified as carrying general freight, but three of the cars that derailed were carrying some items classified as hazardous, including lithium batteries, airbags and four small drums of methanol.

Canadian Pacific said hazardous materials did not leak and there were no injuries.

Emergency teams have responded and are beginning the clean-up process. The incident remains under investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY (5/30/2023 at 6 p.m.): Crews are responding to a train derailment near the town of Balfour.

According to McHenry County Sheriff Trey Skager, roughly 10-12 boxes derailed from a train Tuesday, just north of Highway 52.

It’s unclear which rail carrier is involved. Skager indicated he hasn’t received any reports of injuries.

The sheriff said crews responded to a fire, but the fire is under control. Crews are working to determine if there are any hazardous materials.

This is a developing story. Your News Leader will update as we learn more.

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