The Girdwood Fire & Rescue team responded to a train derailment at 2AM on the morning of January 17th.
The train was derailed by a large avalanche that swept across the tracks just south of Girdwood, Alaska.
The post does not state if anybody was injured in the incident, but notes that multiple people were rescued from the crash.
Read the full post and check out the photos below:
“At 2AM, Girdwood Fire Rescue responded with 7 firefighters to a train derailment south of Girdwood due to avalanche.
After a safety risk evaluation of avalanche and ice conditions by DOT and ARRC avalanche personnel, a rescue team of 3 firefighters and one ARRC employee crossed the ice and climbed the debris to the train.
Train employees were able to self extricate and were escorted back to the Seward Highway for evaluation by Girdwood medics. The Girdwood crew was back in service by 0400.
Avalanches in this area of Turnagain Arm are not uncommon and Girdwood local avalanche expert Dave Hamre published a journal article on the history related to train travel and avalanche mitigation.
We thank the local avalanche powerhouse team of expertise of DOT, ARRC, Alyeska Ski Patrol, USFS, and the Chugach and Hatcher’s Pass Avalanche Centers in helping mitigate avalanche risk for southcentral thru mitigation and forecasting.
Remember wear your beacons, practice your rescue plans and know the snow avalanche conditions.”
^Credit: Alyeska Resort
For those of you familiar with Alyeska, this avalanche happened near Girdwood, the town that surrounds the base of the resort.
Please remember to always carry your beacon, probe, and shovel while traveling in the backcountry.
Stay safe out there, friends!
