Rail fastener may have caused UP train derailment, report says

Union Pacific Railroad returned to using the tracks where a crude-oil train derailed late last week in Mosier, Ore., near the Columbia River Gorge.

A preliminary investigation indicates a fastener that connects the rail tie with the rail caused the derailment, according to a report in The Oregonian.

The westbound UP train was transporting tank cars loaded with Bakken crude oil when 16 cars derailed at 12:20 p.m. June 3. Crude oil was released from four cars, and several cars caught on fire. About 42,000 gallons of crude oil spilled. No one was injured and no homes were destroyed in the incident.

A report will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration this week, according to the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown yesterday called for federal efforts to bolster rail safety.

Brown expects "federal authorities to conduct a full and thorough investigation of the cause of this accident, assess the response to see what improvements should be made, and evaluate ways to reduce risks to communities and the environment," the governor said in a press release.

"Critical federal rules that would enhance rail safety are either in litigation or are yet to be adopted. I am calling for the strongest possible measures from federal policymakers and regulators to bolster rail safety. The safety of our communities depends on this work being completed as soon as possible," Brown said.