Train carrying fertilizer derails in northwestern Iowa

EDITOR’S NOTE: The story has been updated to include more details from officials.

LYON COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) — UPDATE: A BNSF train carrying fertilizer derailed near the small town of Alvord Friday morning.

The derailment took place at Elmwood/K-30 just south of 220th Street, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. The road is closed in the area. BNSF said the incident took place around 3:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Lyon County EMA coordinator told KCAU 9 that nine cars carrying fertilizer derailed possibly due to flooding. The fertilizers was contained in the cars.

The derailment was considered minor with only a few number of cars carrying grain, the sheriff’s office said.

BNSF told KCAU 9 that the derailment affected the main track. No one was injured and there is no threat to the public. Crews are continuing to clear the scene while they continue to investigate the cause.

The official with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office couldn’t say if flooding may have been a cause, but there is flooding in Lyon, Sioux, and Clay counties in Iowa and Lincoln County, South Dakota are experiencing flooding conditions. Part of Highway 18 west of Rock Valley is closed due to flooding.

Rock River at Rock Valley is at minor flood stage at 16.35 feet as of 9 a.m. It is currently forecast to peak at 21 feet into major flood stage Saturday at 7 p.m.

Upstream at Rock Rapids, Rock River has already hit major flood stage with 19.65 feet at 9:15 a.m. It is still expected to peek at 25.1 feet Friday evening.

Additionally, the Big Sioux River above Canton, South Dakota , is at 1241.58 feet at major flood stage as of 9 a.m.

North of Spencer, the right lane of southbound Highway 71 is closed due to flooding.

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