'Shook the ground:' 13-car train derails in Menomonee Falls, cause under investigation

MENOMONEE FALLS -- A 13-car train derailed Monday night, March 25 in Menomonee Falls. The derailment temporarily shut down Lannon Road between Mill Road and Silver Spring.

According to police, a neighbor notified authorities around 8:15 p.m. after hearing a loud noise.

Train derailment in Menomonee Falls

Train derailment in Menomonee Falls

Pete Farnsworth

"It sort of sounded like a big thunder clap -- and then a rolling thunder," said Pete Farnsworth, neighbor.

Of the 13 cars, 11 were empty and two contained scrap metal. Officials said there were no injuries or safety concerns for the community.

“It sort of shook the ground like the explosions over here, when they’re blasting in the quarry," said Farnsworth.

Some neighbors stopped by to see the mess in the daylight -- thankful it didn't happen further down the tracks, near more homes.

"We were very lucky," said neighbor.

The cause was under investigation by Union Pacific, and the National Transportation Safety Board was notified.

Union Pacific officials issued this statement:

"An eastbound Union Pacific train derailed 11 empty railcars and two cars loaded with scrap metal near mile post 308 of the Adams Subdivision in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Four of the 13 cars came to rest in a ravine. Lannon Road between Silver Springs and Mill Road was closed during cleanup, and will continue to be closed for at least the next 12 hours. There was no injury to the crew."

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