Train derails east of Essex

A freight train derailed 4 miles east of Essex Saturday morning. 

Twelve cars carrying grain derailed at 5:42 a.m., according to BNSF Railway. No injuries were reported and there were no hazardous materials involved.  

Crews were working to clear the site, and the railroad tracks were expected to reopen Saturday evening.  

The derailment led to service disruptions for Amtrak’s Empire Builder as passenger train service between Whitefish and Shelby was halted, according to Amtrak. Passengers were bussed between the two towns.  

The cause of the derailment is under investigation, according to BNSF.