Chester — A train derailment Tuesday afternoon near Chester spilled thousands of pounds of wheat, damaged a major intersection, and halted traffic along a shortline track used for transporting Idaho-grown crops.
The derailment happened just before 4 p.m. near 2900 East and U.S. Highway 20, when four grain cars jumped the tracks while en route to Ashton. The train, owned by East Idaho Rail, primarily hauls wheat and potatoes for local farm use. That line ends in Ashton and sees regular agricultural freight traffic.
Fremont County Chief Deputy Cody Gudmonson said the incident created “a significant mess,” but no injuries were reported.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the intersection of 2900 East and US-20 is now closed indefinitely due to the derailment and severe road damage. Drivers who routinely use the cutoff road should plan for alternate routes.
Assistant Fire Chief Dave Fausett of the South Fremont Fire District responded to the scene and described the extent of the damage.
“The mess and the damage to the rail bed is significant,” he said. “That stretch of track is elevated, so it was a steep fall from the track.”
Rail officials estimate the cleanup, and repairs could take up to a month, affecting both vehicle and rail traffic in the area.
EastIdahoNews.com has reached out to East Idaho Rail for comment and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
