A bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River in Montana collapsed early Saturday, plunging portions of a freight train carrying hazardous materials into the rushing water below. The train cars were carrying hot asphalt and molten sulfur, Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services said. Officials shut down drinking water intakes downstream while they evaluated the danger after the 6 a.m. accident.
“If you fail to schedule time for maintenance, the machine will schedule it for you” is a common refrain in manufacturing. I’m consistently amazed that we fail to inspect and maintain our roads and bridges.