Train Derailment Shuts Down Sonora
A train derailment in Tuolumne County on Friday morning has prompted an investigation into its cause, leading to the closure of a significant portion of Sonora for several hours.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. when first responders rushed to the scene of a reported train derailment near the intersection of South Washington Street and Hospital Road in southern Sonora. According to a social media post by the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office, the situation was swiftly addressed.
The Sonora Police Department, while acknowledging the derailment, stated that it remains uncertain as to what triggered this mishap. However, Sierra Northern Railway, the company that owns the train, has taken responsibility for launching an inquiry into the root cause of the incident.
Corporal Thomas Brickley, a representative of the Sonora Police Department, revealed that the train had already come to a halt when they arrived at the scene. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. He further described the events, stating that the rear cars of the train had derailed and slid into the road, colliding with parked vehicles.
The derailed train, owned by Sierra Northern Railway, was transporting lumber, while the four cars that derailed were typically used for carrying propane and were empty at the time of the incident, as per the railway company.
Roads in the vicinity were finally reopened at 9 p.m. on Friday, with assurances from Sierra Northern Railway that there had been no leakage from the rail cars. The company reported that their previous derailment had occurred 11 months ago. The railway president added that the rail tracks are expected to be repaired by Monday, and the train should resume its normal schedule by Tuesday morning.
Despite the progress made in resolving the situation, the Sonora Police Department has announced that a portion of Hospital Road will remain closed for an indefinite period as necessary repairs to both the roadway and track are carried out.
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