Two Burlington Northern freight trains were involved in a derailment between Frazee and Detroit Lakes on Thursday, Feb. 17. Multiple train cars were pushed off the tracks and rail traffic was stopped in both directions.
No injuries were reported in the derailment, the Becker County Sheriff's Office said, but nearby residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure while investigators assessed the contents of the derailed train cars for hazardous material.
As of mid-day Thursday, there was no timetable for displaced residents to return to their homes or for rail traffic to resume, according to Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander.
"We are still working to assess the contents of the train and if there are any threats to anybody in the area," said Glander. "We are asking that people please try to stay out of that area. If they are residents, we will do everything we can to help them (through the area)."
The incident occurred at 8:51 a.m. near the intersection of Indy 500 Road and Valley View Road near Frazee.
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"At this point, there is not a danger to the public," he said. "We are still working to assess the whole situation."
Members of the Frazee Fire and Police Departments, as well as Detroit Lakes police officers and RJ Corman Railroad Services, were at the scene along with the sheriff's office.
