crossing the Rocky Mountains over the continental divide at Mullan Pass near Helena, Montana and Bozeman Pass near Bozeman, Montana. In January 2022, BNSF agreed to pay MRL $2 billion for an early lease termination. The return to BNSF control will require the approval of the Surface Transportation Board before taking effect. 1989 Helena Train Wreck One of the most severe accidents in MRL history was the Helena Train Wreck of February 2, 1989, when 48 decoupled rail cars rolled into Helena, hit a parked work train, caught fire and exploded. While property damage was extensive, there were no casualties. 2014 Alberton derailment On July 3, 2014, a MRL train with 90 railcars derailed near Alberton, Montana, en route from Laurel, Montana to Spokane, Washington. Twenty cars derailed, including three containing hazardous materials and six Boeing 737 fuselages. The 737 fuselages had been built in Kansas at Spirit AeroSystems and were being shipped to Renton, Washington, for final assembly. Three of the fuselages fell down an embankment, with two reaching the Clark Fork River. The six fuselages were recovered and scrapped within the month. References External links Official website Regional railroads in the United States Idaho railroads Montana railroads Washington (state) railroads Spin-offs of the Burlington Northern Railroad Railway companies established in 1987 1987 establishments in Montana