2 locomotives derail in St. Paul, spilling diesel into Mississippi River

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Two locomotives derailed on the Hoffman Swing Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota early Wednesday morning, spilling approximately 3,200 gallons of diesel fuel into the Mississippi River. 

The derailment occurred around 2 a.m., according to a Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson. No one was injured. 

Pieces of boom were placed as far as eight miles downriver from the site to absorb the sheen of the diesel. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and other state authorities were notified of the spill and are on the scene. The MPCA said it is too early to know the extent of the damage, if any, to the environment from the diesel spill. Authorities are hoping the river flow and the booms will soak up and dissipate the fuel before wildlife are impacted. 

The United States Coast Guard has temporarily closed the Mississippi River to all vehicle traffic from the bridge to approximately 10 miles south.