No injuries were reported after a 78-car freight train derailed near Pinecliffe in Gilpin County on Sunday, November 12. Passenger rail service, however, through the corridor has been significantly impacted.

Eight cars derailed and remained upright while seven cars tipped or rolled off the track.

No roads were closed due to the incident which happened a few miles southeast of Nederland.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) cars that derailed contained diesel fuel oil and magnesium. But the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office said there was no leakage or fumes from the cars and they don’t anticipate issuing any evacuations.

BNSF gave The Mountain-Ear this statement: “BNSF can confirm at approximately 8 a.m. CST, 16 cars derailed near Pinecliffe, Colorado. There are no injuries to the crew and no hazmat has been compromised. The cause is currently under investigation. Union Pacific would be leading the cleanup and determining when the tracks will reopen.”

The sheriff’s office said the report about the derailment came in early that morning, happening adjacent to private property midway between South Beaver Creek Road and Lincoln Hills Fly Fishing Club.

Union Pacific’s cleanup effort is underway and they expected the track to open later that day, according to a BNSF spokesperson.

The cause remains under investigation.

The Timberline Fire Protection Fire District was on the scene and reported no fumes, leaks, or injuries following the derailment.

The Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office asked the public to avoid the area near Colorado Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon Road) and South Beaver Creek Road while crews worked to clear the fifteen rail cars that derailed, which was expected to take at least 36 hours.

The tracks are shared by freight trains and Amtrak’s California Zephyr line.

At least one Amtrak train had to stay overnight in Grand Junction due to the derailment. Amtrak said they have an alternative transportation route in place as crews clear and repair the track.