Freight train derails north of Perham, closes two county crossings

Late Thursday night on Jan. 13, a freight train went off the tracks along the east side of Highway 10 near the intersection with Highway 60 in Gorman Township, just north of Perham. Thirteen rail cars designed to carry vehicles left the rails; most of those cars were reported empty. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were no injuries and no threat to public safety.

BNSF Railway crews were on site the following morning conducting cleanup operations. While crews worked, two rail crossings were closed to traffic: County Highway 60 and 475th Street S. County officials set up closures and traffic controls around the scene, creating local detours and delays for residents traveling between Perham and points to the north and east.

The immediate impact for Otter Tail County was primarily localized traffic disruption and the presence of emergency and rail crews on a main corridor. County Highway 60 is a connector used by school buses, farm equipment and daily commuters; closure of that crossing required route adjustments for travelers and slowed diesel and maintenance vehicle movements until crews reopened the site. Rail service through the area was also interrupted while BNSF handled the derailed cars and inspected the track.

An investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing. Authorities have not released details about a suspected cause or a projected timeline for full restoration of service. Cleanup and track inspection are standard steps after a derailment to ensure the corridor is safe before reopening crossings and resuming regular train operations.

For residents and businesses, the most immediate concern is travel and access. Motorists should continue to follow posted detours and instructions from county crews when traveling near the Highway 10 corridor. Local freight customers and businesses that depend on scheduled rail deliveries should expect possible short-term delays while the railroad completes cleanup and inspection.

This incident underscores the role of rail safety and rapid response in a county where agriculture and small manufacturers rely on predictable transport links. Officials will release further information as the investigation proceeds and as BNSF completes its on-site work; residents should watch county communications for updates on crossing reopenings and any longer-term service adjustments.