By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
BNSF Railway is continuing to inspect its rail line “around the clock” after the discovery yesterday of tampering in between Vancouver, Wash. and Chehalis.
“We’re looking at all aspects, all components of our railroad structures and bridges,” BNSF spokesperson Gus Melonas said at mid-day.
They are keeping on eye on the north to south tracks affected yesterday as well as throughout the Pacific Northwest, Melonas said.
Freight and passenger train traffic was shut down after the first incident was reported about 11 a.m. yesterday at the Longview Junction, according to Melonas.
The tracks were reopened in the early afternoon after inspections.
BNSF is being vague about the nature of the tampering; Melonas wouldn’t say if it caused any equipment malfunctions.
He did say there have been no interruptions of service since they reopened.
The tracks carry about 50 trains daily, 10 of which are Amtrak passenger trains.
The freight trains carry all manner of loads, including hazardous materials “from A to Z,” Melonas said, although he was quick to point out no related fatalities have occurred since 1981.
The railway police are working with outside agencies to ensure the safe movement of trains, he said.
Chehalis and Napavine police said they have had no dealings in their cities with BNSF about the issues, but yesterday about 1 p.m., Winlock Police Chief Terry Williams assisted them in processing some evidence at the north end of town, Williams said.
Williams declined to elaborate in part because he was only helping with another agency’s investigation.
Melonas declined to say if BNSF was also working with Homeland Security, only saying it’s not uncommon for them to work with local and national agencies.
“We’re not speculating at this point,” he said as to whether the tampering might be related to the dispute the Longview longshoreman are involved with.
BNSF is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction. Melonas said details can be left at BNSF’s crime line at 1-800-832-5452.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter