MILES CITY, MT — A coal train derailed late Monday evening west of Miles City in Custer County, prompting swift emergency response efforts. The derailment, which occurred at approximately 11 p.m., involved between 25 and 27 train cars, according to Custer County Fire Chief Cory Cheguis.
In a social media post, Chief Cheguis confirmed that emergency teams were quickly deployed to the scene, with initial response being coordinated with officials from BNSF Railway. Custer County emergency management authorities are working in direct collaboration with BNSF personnel to address the incident.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Authorities are currently focused on assessing the situation, with further evaluations set to take place at daylight to gain a clearer understanding of the full scope of the derailment.
While the cause of the derailment is still under investigation, Cheguis emphasized the importance of evaluating potential environmental impacts. “At this stage, our priority is to assess any potential environmental impact and manage the safety of the area as the situation unfolds,” Cheguis stated.
Emergency crews remain on-site, and efforts to address the immediate concerns are ongoing. As the investigation continues, local officials and BNSF Railway will work together to manage the recovery and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
