CHEYENNE – Local fire crews responded in the early hours of Sunday to a fire involving a ruptured natural gas pipeline near a stopped Union Pacific Railroad train.

At approximately 1:08 a.m., Laramie County Fire District 10 responded early to reports of a large fire near mile marker 350 on Interstate 80.

Upon arrival, additional crews present confirmed the incident involved a ruptured natural gas pipeline. Initial reports suggested a locomotive fire, with multiple callers describing explosions and flames visible from as far as 60 miles away, according to a news release from LCFD 10.

The ruptured pipeline ignited near rail cars that were carrying hazardous materials, placing responders and the surrounding area at heightened risk, according to the release. At no point did the train derail

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