Washout May Have Caused Michigan Freight Train Derailment

WYOMING, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - An official says a washout from heavy rains and melting snow may have caused two engines from a freight train to derail in western Michigan.

The engines went off the tracks on Tuesday night in the Grand Rapids-area community of Wyoming, about 140 miles northwest of Detroit. Two railroad workers had what were police described as non-life-threatening injuries.

One engine came to rest on its side.

Wyoming Deputy Fire Chief Brian Bennett tells The Grand Rapids Press it appeared a washout likely caused the derailment. Bennett said a trench was dug to contain leaking fuel.

Crews brought a backhoe and other equipment, WOOD-TV reported, while an environmental crew was called to handle the fuel cleanup.

The derailment came as Michigan and other parts of the U.S. deal with heavy rain and flooding.

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