Derailment of a Union Pacific train outside of Grand Junction likely caused by rockfall on tracks

MESA COUNTY, Colo. — A train derailment outside of Grand Junction on Tuesday evening was likely caused by rockfall on the tracks, authorities said.

At 10:53 p.m. on Tuesday, a Union Pacific Railroad locomotive derailed near Whitewater and crashed into the Gunnison River, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) confirmed on Wednesday.

Two crew members were transported to a hospital and later released.

In a press released issued by the PUC's Office of Rail Safety on Wednesday, it said that it believes the derailment was caused by rockfall along the rail corridor.

"The Union Pacific Railroad Hazmat Manager and environmental mitigation and clean-up contractors are on-site," the PUC said on Wednesday.

The Grand Junction Fire Department, along with several other state and local agenc