Rock Slide Blocks Train Line in Northern Idaho

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho (AP) — A Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman says large boulders broke off from a cliff in northern Idaho and blocked a train line connecting Montana to the Pacific Northwest overnight.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says the rock slide happened Saturday night at a spot about 20 miles east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Melonas says large boulders broke off about 150 feet up from the line probably due to the extreme weather in the region, including rain and freezing and thawing.

He says seven trains were delayed but that the line was reopened at about 2 a.m. Sunday.

He adds that about 40 trains a day use the line.

No train was damaged or any personnel were at risk from the slide.