Sheriff's deputies were able to get aerial photos of the scene, and initial investigation shows the vibration of the southbound train's passing triggered the slide, hitting the train near its midpoint. Four railcars were pushed off the track and down the hill toward the river and eight cars were knocked on their sides.
In addition to sheriff's deputies, personnel from North Bench Fire and Boundary County Road and Bridge responded along with Union Pacific crews.
Due to the steep terrain at the derailment site, clean up may involve the use of high line equipment and could take several days to complete.