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Freight train plunges in Yellowstone River as bridge collapses

A BRIDGE across the Yellowstone river in the US state of Montana collapsed on Saturday, plunging freight train cars carrying hazardous materials into the rushing water below.

The train was carrying hot asphalt and molten sulphur, Stillwater County Disaster & Emergency Services said. 

Officials shut down drinking water facilities downstream while they evaluated the danger after the incident. 

Railroad crews were at the scene in Stillwater County, near the town of Columbus.

The train crew was safe and no injuries were reported, Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland said in a statement. 

The area is in a sparsely populated section of the Yellowstone River Valley, surrounded by ranch and farmland. The river there flows away from Yellowstone National Park, which is about 110 miles south-west.

“We are committed to addressing any potential impacts to the area as a result of this incident and working to understand the reasons behind the accident,” Mr Garland said.

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