HARTFORD, Wis. — A 50-car train derailed in Hartford Monday, leaving 19 cars sideways and crashing into one another on the northwest side of town.
According to the Hartford fire chief, three engineers walked away with minor injuries.
Watch: What we know about a 50-car train derailment in Hartford:
Approximately 80 people from Washington County emergency response teams worked together to ensure everyone's safety and immediately began digging trenches to prevent diesel fuel from spilling into local waterways.
"I've never seen anything like this before," community member Isaac Dubey said. "Nothing ever happens in Hartford."
Wisconsin and Southern Railroad has not yet shared what caused the derailment.
"This is highly unusual," Harry Riehle said. "I'm sad! We're train fans, we like to watch them go by and not see them in a heap there."
Residents are curious about what caused the derailment.
"That's a lot of damage too," Dubey said. "So, you really have to do something for that much damage to happen. That's bizarre!"
They said word of the derailed train spread quickly around town.
"I'm surprised nobody got hurt," Jack Jensen said.
On a typical day, Hartford community members said five trains pass through their town.
According to police, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad train was traveling east on the tracks into Hartford when it derailed near Independence and Constitution avenues just west of the city.
WATCH: Crews respond to train derailment in Hartford
Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is on scene, leading the investigation into the train derailment.
Traffic remains open to the area.
The Hartford Police Department, fire and EMT are securing the scene, with emergency management from Dodge and Washington counties also on scene. A DNR conservation warden has also arrived at the scene.
WATCH: Officials provide update on the train derailment near Hartford
This is a developing story and will be updated.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
