LOWELL, Wis. — Approximately 30 cars of a CPKC unit train of crude oil derailed today (Friday, Aug. 15, 2025) near the town of Lowell, with some oil believed to be leaking from the derailed tank cars, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
The derailment has led to service disruptions for Amtrak’s Empire Builder in both directions, as well as the eastbound Borealis.
The sheriff’s office received a report of the derailment at 2:05 p.m. No injuries were reported. The sheriff’s office also reports the incident poses no immediate danger to the public; and no evacuation will be required, as there is only one residence in the vicinity of the derailment with its occupants chosen to leave voluntarily.
The Clyman/Lowell/Reeseville Fire Department, sheriff’s office, and CPKC have secured the scene and are beginning plans to clean up. The derailment is about a mile west of the town of Reeseville.
CPKC, in a statement to WISN-TV, said the “initial assessment indicates at least one car is leaking product. CPKC crews, including hazardous materials experts and environmental teams have responded to the site. Additional personnel, including senior operating officials, and equipment are responding to the scene to conduct a full assessment and begin a clean-up this evening.”
According to Amtrak’s website, the eastbound Empire Builder and Borealis due through the area this afternoon were to be combined at La Crosse, Wis., and rerouted, via BNSF Railway to Chicago. The westbound Builder will also be rerouted, according to an Amtrak spokesman. The company is seeking chartered buses to serve the missed stops between La Crosse and Chicago.
The derailment location is on CPKC’s Watertown Subdivision, about 54 miles west of Milwaukee.
— Updated at 5:46 p.m. CT with additional Amtrak information and CPKC statement.
Amtrak detoured and BNSF allowed it? That’s how it used to be.