Derailed freight train remains in Marys River in Corvallis

CORVALLIS, Ore. (KOIN) -- A massive effort is underway in Corvallis after a 19-car freight train derailed when a bridge over the Marys River collapsed, sending one train car into the river and left another one dangling.

The Portland & Western Railroad freight train, loaded with agricultural products, derailed Saturday when a trestle collapsed. It will take several days to get ready to remove the three train cars that derailed in the collapse.

No one was hurt. But a chemical used in making fertilizer is now in the river, and containment efforts are currently underway.

Officials with Portland & Western Railroad told KOIN 6 News they have to get gravel down to make roads in order to get the heavy equipment in to unload and remove all the railcars. Cranes will be needed to remove the derailed cars.

The Federal Railroad Administration told KOIN 6 News they do not do bridge inspections. Neither does the Oregon Department of Transportation. Bridge inspections are the responsibility of the railroad's owner. According to ODOT records, the last time the railroad owner inspected this bridge was November 2024.

A few years ago a different section of this bridge caught fire.

A full investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse and train derailment will begin once the derailed cars are removed from the Marys River. For now, Corvallis police want people to avoid boating or other activities on Marys River.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.