A truck driver was killed in a train derailment in Colorado after a railway overpass collapsed on top of his truck. The incident caused the closure of Interstate 25, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the derailment.
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Pueblo, Colorado, where a train derailment resulted in the death of a truck driver from Compton, California. The Pueblo County coroner confirmed that Lafollette Henderson, a 60-year-old truck driver, lost his life when a railway overpass collapsed, crushing his commercial semitruck. The impact of the collapse caused a train carrying coal to derail on Interstate 25.
The Colorado State Patrol received multiple reports of the train derailment, which took place approximately 4 miles north of Pueblo at I-25 milepost 107. The incident occurred around 3:25 p.m., causing immediate chaos and the closure of I-25 in both directions. The closure remained in place throughout Monday, causing significant disruption to local traffic and interstate commerce.
In response to the derailment, various local, state, and national agencies swiftly mobilized to the scene. The Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo Fire Department, Pueblo West Fire Department, and Pueblo County Rural Fire Department were among the first responders. They were joined by reinforcements from Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Fountain, private contractors from the railroad, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The collaborative efforts of these agencies were crucial in managing the aftermath of the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board, in conjunction with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company, has initiated an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Additionally, they are evaluating the extent of the damage to the overpass and determining the necessary repairs required to reopen the interstate.
As of now, no estimated timeline has been provided for the reopening of I-25. The investigation and repair process is expected to take some time due to the complexity of the incident.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks faced by truck drivers and the importance of maintaining infrastructure safety. The loss of Lafollette Henderson’s life is a devastating outcome that highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future..