ANACORTES, Wash. – A safety device meant to keep trains from tipping ended up knocking a train off the tracks last week in Anacortes.

The seven-car BNSF train was approaching a swinging bridge over the Swinomish Channel on Thursday, March 16th, after leaving an oil refinery in Anacortes when it derailed.

Devices called derailers sit on both sides of the bridge, embedded in the railroad tracks, to force trains off the tracks when the bridge is open.

The bridge was ready for the train to cross that morning, but at least one derailer was still in operation.

The train’s wheels hit the steel-wedge device and two engine cars ran into the dirt next to an RV park and casino.

3,100 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Spokesperson Warren Flatau said there was a miscommunication between the train crew and the bridge tender.