Lingering Wreckage Raises Concerns in Sutter County

Nearly three weeks after a cargo train caught fire on tracks north of Yuba City, the wreckage remains, leaving residents to wonder when it will finally be cleared. The incident has sparked concerns about potential environmental and safety risks, as the debris continues to smolder and people have been rummaging through the site.

Unresolved Aftermath Fuels Unease in the Community

Ongoing Fires and Lithium Battery Worries

The wreckage has been the site of several fires since the initial incident, raising concerns among nearby residents. DJ Crist, the campus manager of the Church of Glad Tidings, which is located across the road from the wreckage, expressed worries about the potential impact on the local environment and drinking water. "We are concerned. If there were lithium batteries on that train, what's going into our aquifer right now? What's going into our drinking water?" Crist said.The church also has a school on its property, and Crist noted that the fires have been flaring up at least once a week, sending black smoke over the area. "We have a school on this property. We have people on this campus seven days a week. That fire flares up at least once a week, starts burning again. We get black smoke that comes over here. What's in that smoke?" Crist questioned.

Cleanup Efforts in the Hands of Union Pacific

Sutter County Battalion Chief Richard Epperson stated that the cleanup efforts are being handled by Union Pacific, the railroad company responsible for the train. CBS13 reached out to Union Pacific, but they were not available for an interview. However, the company did confirm that they have crews scheduled to arrive on Friday for the cleanup.Union Pacific acknowledged that there were lithium batteries on the train, but they stated that the batteries were not impacted by the fire. Epperson also said that the lithium batteries have already been removed, but it remains unclear what other materials were left behind.

Lingering Concerns and Unanswered Questions

The ongoing presence of the wreckage has left the community with a sense of unease and uncertainty. Residents are concerned about the potential environmental and safety risks, as well as the lack of clear information about the contents of the train and the progress of the cleanup efforts.The situation has raised questions about the responsibility and accountability of the railroad company, as well as the effectiveness of the emergency response and the communication with the local community. As the cleanup process continues, residents will be closely watching to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that the potential risks are mitigated.