A Bridge Over Yellowstone River Collapses, Sending a Freight Train Into the Waters Below

Several train cars are immersed in the Yellowstone River after a bridge collapse near Columbus, Mont., on June 24, 2023. Matthew Brown/AP Photo

COLUMBUS, Mont.—A bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed early Saturday, plunging portions of a freight train carrying hazardous materials into the rushing water below.

The train cars were carrying asphalt and sulfur, said David Stamey, Stillwater County’s chief of emergency services. Officials shut down drinking water intakes downstream while they evaluated the danger. An Associated Press reporter witnessed a yellow substance coming out of some of the tank cars.