The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a ruptured natural gas pipeline that exploded into dramatic flames Sunday, stopping a Union Pacific Railroad train carrying hazardous materials in its tracks west of Cheyenne.
Just after 1 a.m. near mile marker 350 on Interstate 80, the explosion and large fire could be seen as far as 60 miles away, prompting a flood of emergency calls.
The fire broke out near the same location as a Union Pacific train, leading some callers to report that the train itself was ablaze.
Union Pacific spokesman Mike Jaixen said in an email Monday that the train halted about 40 feet from the rupture.
“The heat from the fire made it too dangerous to operate over the track,” Jaixen said. “There was no derailment and no one was hurt.”
While the contents of the train were not disclosed by Jaixen, Laramie County Fire District 10 officials said the train was carrying hazardous materials, which increased risk for responders.
With help from three fire agencies in Laramie County and Cheyenne, firefighters quickly contained the blaze. No injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials leaked.
Tracks Repaired
Aerial images showed cars on the train heavily damaged or charred, according to the Associated Press and Denver7 News. Union Pacific officials did not respond to questions about the condition of the train or what it was carrying.
The ruptured pipeline is owned by Kinder Morgan, an energy infrastructure company.
As of Monday, it was not clear whether the pipeline had been closed or patched, but Union Pacific said the railroad track was back in service.
“Track repairs were completed and rail operations resumed early this morning,” Jaixen said.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by Union Pacific Railroad and the NTSB, according to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
The NTSB said in a post on X.com that investigators would be on scene Monday.
“This was a significant and dangerous event, and we are grateful for the quick actions of our first responders and partner agencies. Their teamwork ensured the safety of the community and prevented further escalation,” said Caeden Quist, incident commander and division chief of Laramie County Fire District 10.
Justin George can be reached at justin@cowboystatedaily.com.
