Tehachapi News

Train derailment near Keene

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Railroad first responders were kept busy this weekend  with first an auto vs. train accident in the fog near Monolith and an hour later at 1:30 am Dec. 6 this derailment near Keene.

Fifteen cars of an east bound B.N.S.F freight train rolled over on their sides while rounding a sharp curve near the Rowen siding. All 15 cars, located near the middle of the train were empty and were used to transport new automobiles. Initially Kern County Firefighters from Keene and Tehachapi responded as well as a Haz-Mat unit from east Bakersfield. After an inspection by railroad First Responders and county fire personnel, it was determined there were no chemicals or hazardous materials involved.

Visible from the west bound lanes of Highway 58 the derailment took place in an area where the allowable train speed is 25 MPH. Train traffic was not interrupted and the Hulcher Company, an independent contractor, was brought in with heavy equipment to shove the derailed cars off the track. Railroad workers will inspect the track for damage, repair if necessary and clean up the whole mess at a later date. Cause of the low speed accident is still under investigation.