Boulder train crash: High-speed derailment in Colorado sparks fears of fuel leak

Two freight trains collided in a frightening head-on collision in Boulder, Colorado, sparking fears that a fuel leak could spread into a nearby creek.

Stunning aerial photographs of the aftermath of Thursday evening's derailment show trains lying across the tracks.

The two train drivers were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been released, officials said.

The exact cause of the collision is still unclear.

Breathtaking aerial photographs showed the aftermath and the derailed trains lying crumpled on the tracks.

The accident occurred on Thursday evening at approximately 10:43 p.m. One of the trains reportedly belonged to Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).

Officials said fuel had leaked into the nearby creek and urged locals to avoid the area, but said the leaks were not expected to cause serious damage.

There were also power outages in the surrounding area, affecting 92 households and lasting several hours into Friday morning.

Boulder police said the crash site would remain closed “for the next few days” and announced that BNSF had taken over the response.

BNSF communications director Kendall Sloan told Newsweek that emergency crews were on site to clear the area and said there was “no danger to the public.”

“Two crew members were taken to hospital with injuries and have since been released,” Sloan said.

“A small amount of fuel has leaked from the locomotive but has not impacted the creek. Crews are on site and working to clear the incident as quickly and safely as possible.”

Police said emergency services will be on site for several days to clear the debris.

Fears of a catastrophic fuel leak were reportedly avoided because the fuel was absorbed by sand leaking from one of the cars.

The extent of the damage to property appeared to be limited to the trains and the surrounding trees; the accident did not cause any significant damage to property in the surrounding area.

According to reports, fuel spillage into a nearby stream was largely avoided because the fuel was absorbed by sand that had fallen from one of the wagons.