The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation regarding the attempted sabotage of a Utah Railway train bridge.
Utah Railway has offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the sabotage.
On Sunday, a Utah Railway train approached the Gordon Creek Bridge, located nine miles southwest of Helper, Carbon County, at approximately 8:30 a.m. and stopped when employees saw smoke down the tracks.
"They were approaching the bridge; they saw some smoke ahead, and based on the area, they used their better judgment to slow down and investigate it," said Brent Robbins, FBI Special Agent and spokesman.
The crew found a smoldering fire on the bridge trestle. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but Utah Railway estimated fire damage at approximately $4,000.
Robbins said the bridge structure is made of metal but there is rail timber, similar to railroad ties but larger, between the track that goes across the bridge. Robbins said four rail timber ties were completely burned and seven more were damaged beyond repair.
"The train, had it gone over, might have actually broken through the bridge," Robbins said.
Robbins said the state fire marshal suspects the fire was set with an accelerant poured on the timbers to make them burn faster.
"For that to burn like that, they would have to be purposely setting (the fire) and wanting it to burn." Robbins said.
He said the area surrounding the bridge includes nothing sensitive, but that they are still investigating possible terrorism.
"Nobody has made any claims," Robbins said. "We're not sure if it was some kids goofing around, or somebody who had a grudge against the railway or the coal mines, which the railway services."
Train and railway sabotage is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and if someone is killed as a result of sabotage, it is a capital crime.
The FBI is working with Carbon County officers on pursuing leads. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI in Salt Lake City at 801-579-1400.
"The bridge is up there in an area where people go ATV and recreational driving," Robbins said. "Somebody might have seen something."
E-mail: nclemens@desnews.com