Transportation Disasters

Stearns County is crisscrossed by numerous transportation routes - road, air, rail, and water. A major accident could occur on any of these routes, and put lives, property and natural resources in danger. Hazardous materials spills are also associated with transportation disasters. 

  • Road: Privately owned vehicles and local bus services provide the primary means of transportation for individuals in Stearns County. Freeways, highways and roads serve the area. The principal highways are Interstate 94, Highways 15, 23, 55, 71 and 4.
  • Air: Stearns County has four airports, the regional airport in St. Cloud and three municipal airports in Brooten, Paynesville and Sauk Centre.
  • Train derailment in Stearns County Rail: The lines of two major rail carriers cross Stearns County: BNSF and Canadian Pacific (SOO). Canadian Pacific lines are located on the southern edges of the county; BNSF lines are located on the eastern border with Benton County, and into the central part of the county from St. Cloud. Amtrak passenger rail also crosses the county.
  • Water: Major waterways in Stearns County include the Mississippi, Sauk, Clearwater and Crow Rivers, and numerous lakes and streams. Boat traffic is primarily for recreational purposes.

Preparedness

What to do during a transportation disaster

  • Planes, trains and vehicles involved in accidents may contain hazardous materials or explosives including chemicals, fuel, batteries, oxygen, and compressed air. Maintain a safe distance, especially if you see evidence of hazardous materials.

Response

If you witness a transportation disaster:

  • Call 911. Give the operator a description of the accident, include any identifying features of the vehicle (identifying numbers, plane tail number, DOT placards on the sides of trucks)
  • Make yourself available to investigators. As soon as possible, write down what you saw and heard and where you were located relative to the crash site. 

Recovery

What to do after a transportation disaster

  • If you have been involved in a transportation accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you have no obvious injuries.
  • Contact your insurance agent to file a claim for any damaged or destroyed property. 

For More Information:

National Transportation Safety Board
Aviation, Highway, Marine, Railroad, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety

Federal Railroad Administration