SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Authorities have exploded 11 rail tanker cars that were carrying propane and biodiesel when they derailed in central Utah over the weekend.
Juab County officials said Sunday that the controlled detonation was the safest way to deal with the explosive materials. They posted photos online showing a massive flame ball lighting the sky Sunday night in a remote area about 74 miles (or 119 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City where the derailment occurred Saturday.
Juab County fire officials say 24 of the 165 cars on a Union Pacific mixed-freight train came off the rails Saturday and one of the cars was on its side and leaking propane. The conductor and engineer both escaped injury. The cause of the crash is unknown.
Several state and federal agencies are working on the cleanup.
