Big Lake train derailment blocks off area as crews and authorities respond

BNSF train derailed in Big Lake

A BNSF train derailed in Big Lake early Saturday morning. This is the third BNSF train derailment in Minnesota in the past year. There are no reported injuries, and no threat to the public.

BIG LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - A BNSF train derailment reported in Big Lake has closed off the area near the railway as crews and authorities respond to the wreckage.

What we know

Aerial footage shows the aftermath of the Big Lake train derailment (FOX 9). (FOX 9)

The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office said there are no reported injuries.

The incident happened at about 3:15 a.m. Saturday and impacted 15 rail cars carrying what authorities say are "consumer goods."

The crash leaves a stretch of 172nd Street Northwest between 197th Avenue and County Road 14 blocked as crews work to clear the area.

BNSF confirmed the derailment has also impacted traffic on the railway's main lines. The incident happened just west of the Northstar Commuter Rail stop, which carries people to downtown Minneapolis.

"There are plenty of cars on the ground and everything is a big mess," onlooker Brady Skull told FOX 9.

Metro Transit posted a statement saying Northstar is unable to provide service to Saturday night's Twins game and that no replacement bus service will be provided.

The derailment appears to have happened in an industrial and agricultural area of Big Lake. Crews can be seen actively using heavy machinery to clear and repair the tracks.

Train wreckage from an area just west of 172nd Street & 197th Avenue in Big Lake (FOX 9). (FOX 9)

The aftermath of a train derailment in Big Lake (Photos courtesy of Jennifer4FPM)

Digging deeper

Other BNSF train incidents in the past year include a derailment near Raymond, Minnesota that started a fire and involved 14 hazardous material tank cars.

Another derailment near St. Cloud involved five cars that were carrying rocks when they tipped onto their sides.