June 24 (Reuters) - A bridge in Montana collapsed into the Yellowstone River early on Saturday, landing multiple rail cars in the water, officials said.
Montana Rail Link, the company operating the train, said in a statement that "several hazmat cars" plunged into the river.
The rail cars were carrying asphalt and molten sulfur, substances that quickly solidify when they come in contact with cooler temperatures, the company said.
Two cars transporting sodium hydro sulfate, an acid salt, did not enter the water and initial air quality assessments indicate the chemical was not released from the cars, Montana Rail Link said.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said the derailment and bridge collapse led to the closure of parts of the Yellowstone and Stillwater Rivers.
Persons:
Maria Caspani, Richard Chang
Organizations:
Montana Rail, Montana Rail Link, Montana Fish, Wildlife, Parks, Thomson
Locations:
Montana, Billings, Reed Point, Stillwater County, Yellowstone, Stillwater Rivers