Alaska Railroad Train Derails Near Talkeetna, Diesel Spill Contained

An Alaska Railroad work train derailed early June 6 on the Curry loop track about 22 miles north of Talkeetna, puncturing a 2,600-gallon diesel fuel tank on one of the locomotives. The three crew members aboard the train were unharmed, and the cause of the derailment remains under investigation. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is overseeing the cleanup efforts in coordination with the railroad and other state agencies, implementing containment measures such as oil sorbent pads and booms to prevent fuel from reaching the nearby Susitna River, which remains unaffected so far. The spill is contained to a limited area, with no reported impacts to surface waters or wildlife. The Curry loop track serves a quarry and is not accessible by road, but the derailment is not expected to affect operations on the Alaska Railroad’s main line between Seward and Fairbanks. Environmental remediation continues as officials monitor the situation to ensure full cleanup according to regulations.