Track reopens where train derailed in Aurora

Tracks were reopened Friday morning where a Seattle-bound freight train derailed a day before in Aurora.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad spokesman Steve Forsberg said the cleanup of debris continues, but trains were allowed to begin using the line once again shortly before 10 a.m. Friday. The line had been closed since 3:30 a.m. Thursday when 10 cars jumped the tracks, many toppling over. No timetable has been set for completion of the work, he said.

"We'll be cleaning until they're done," Forsberg said.

Railroad officials have yet to determine what caused the derailment. Forsberg said the train was actually running 3 to 4 mph slower than the allowed 40 mph limit at the time of the derailment. Train speeds are restricted through the area where the derailment occurred until the cleanup is complete, Forsberg added.

Some private property was damaged, including some fencing and a shed. Forsberg said the railroad would be making reparations to the property owners for the damage.

Some of the cars that derailed were carrying hazardous materials, but Forsberg said the material was commercial car wash soap that did not leak.

The train was toting 52 cars. The 21st through 30th cars were the ones that derailed. This is the city's third major derailment in six years. Most recently a freight train derailed in July 2003 near the site of Thursday's derailment. In June 2002, two commuter trains collided head-on at the Aurora Transportation Center.