CHEYENNE, Wyoming (AP) — In the early hours of Sunday, a natural gas pipeline rupture in southern Wyoming led to a fiery explosion, setting a freight train ablaze and illuminating the night from as far as 60 miles (close to 100 kilometers) away in Colorado, according to officials.
Emergency response teams were on the scene shortly after 1 a.m. following reports of explosions near Interstate 80, west of Cheyenne, as stated by Laramie County Fire District #10.
“The ruptured pipeline ignited close to rail cars loaded with hazardous materials, raising the risk level for responders and the neighboring areas,” the statement revealed. “Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred, and there was no significant hazardous material spill threatening the public.”
By 9 a.m., the flames were reported to be under control, according to the officials. Aerial images depicted Union Pacific freight cars still standing but scorched as crews continued with fire suppression around the railway tracks.
The train halted around 2 a.m. upon approaching within approximately 40 feet (12 meters) of the fire from the Kinder Morgan pipeline rupture, Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South stated in an email. No derailment occurred, and the railroad company was collaborating with fire officials to assess any necessary track repairs, South added.
An email was sent to the energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan seeking additional details about the rupture on its pipeline.
The glow from the fire could be seen as far away as Loveland, Colorado, according to media reports.
The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigators were expected to arrive at the site Monday morning.
