Winsted-Lester Prairie Journal, February 8, 1999

Train derails near New Germany By Luis Puga Two railroad cars fell off their tracks just outside of New Germany last Monday. At approximately 2 p.m., the last two cars of a nine-car train bound for Hutchinson left the rails. One car fell on its side, while the other remained upright. The tanker cars, owned by Dakota Railroad, were carrying an alcohol-based liquid that was flammable. While there was no spill, an area of one mile was evacuated. Five families had to leave their homes, but were aided by the Carver County chapter of the Red Cross. Clean-up was underway by Monday, and on Tuesday, the fallen car was righted. No injuries were reported and an investigation is underway to establish a cause for the accident. A number of agencies responded to the incident including the New Germany Fire Department, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Ridgeview Ambulance Service of Waconia, and representatives from Dakota Railroad. From Carver County, a hazardous material response team, the sheriff's department, public works and environmental services were also called to the scene.

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