3,500 Gallons Of Fuel Dumped Into Mississippi: Report

SAINT PAUL, MN — The derailment of a Union Pacific train engine caused approximately 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel to spill into the Mississippi River early Wednesday, according to officials. Two cars jumped the tracks, which punctured a third car's fuel tank.

The incident happened on Saint Paul's Hoffman Swing Bridge, which connects two rail yards.

There were no human injures reported. Absorbent boom was put into the river to absorb the oil, the Pioneer Press reported.

Officials told the Star Tribune that Union Pacific also has boats out to suck up the fuel.

Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency and the federal Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the cleanup.

MPCA spokesperson Walker Smith told KARE 11 the impact on wildlife is unknown at this time.

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