Emergency manager reports multiple derailments including hazmat fire in Kimball; commissioners discuss backing LB37 rail-safety measures

Brandon Myers, Lincoln County emergency management director, told the board on Feb. 10 that emergency crews responded to three separate derailments in the region, including a hazardous-material fire at Kimball and a derailment east of North Platte that left roughly 25 freight cars and grain scattered along the track.

"Right now, they are laying the panels to try and get track 1 open. They're hoping to have that by 4PM today," Myers said. He said track 2 and 3 could remain out of service into the next day or two, and crossings could be blocked until repairs and signaling work are finished. "The crossing probably (will be) Thursday or Friday before that is actually open and we can get vehicles across there," he said.

Myers said the Kimball incident included hazardous materials and a fire; hazmat and firefighting crews remained involved there as of his update. He said he expected the Federal Railroad Administration and the railroad to investigate causes; "I would anticipate that the FRA is gonna do an investigation," he said.

Commissioners pressed on operational impacts: Myers said the railroad had stacked trains to avoid blocking private crossings where possible and that railroad crews were replacing damaged signal and communication lines as track repairs proceed. He said the railroad would also repair damaged private infrastructure such as fence lines as part of the cleanup.

Several commissioners urged the county to support state-level steps aimed at rail safety. Commissioner Brunz asked the board to draft a resolution backing state legislation introduced this session (LB37) that would require or strengthen use of onboard and trackside technology and address train lengths and crossing blockages. "It'd be my ask for this board that we put together another resolution as we've done in the past," Brunz said, adding that he and another commissioner could testify for the county in support.

The board directed staff to prepare a draft resolution and to consider sending county representatives to testify at the Legislature; no formal vote on the resolution was recorded during the Feb. 10 session.

Why it matters: The derailments disrupted freight movement and created safety and access concerns for rural residents near crossings. County leaders flagged both short-term response needs (track and signal repair, debris removal) and longer-term policy issues (train length and mandatory use of safety technology) for state lawmakers.

What’s next: Emergency management said it will monitor railroad timelines and provide updates to the board; commissioners asked county staff to prepare language in support of LB37 and to coordinate testimony at the Legislature.