Man Convicted After Derailing Train, Posting Viral Video

Zachary Hertzler faces up to 2 years in prison for 2024 incident in Bennet, Nebraska.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An extreme close-up of a damaged train switch mechanism, the details of the metal and plastic components sharply illuminated against a dark background, conceptually representing the evidence at the center of a criminal investigation.A damaged train switch mechanism, the focus of an investigation into a high-profile derailment incident.Lincoln Today

A 19-year-old man has been convicted of criminal mischief for derailing a BNSF train in Bennet, Nebraska in April 2024 and posting the viral video online. Zachary Hertzler was found guilty of one count of criminal mischief over $5,000 and faces up to 2 years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision, and a $10,000 fine.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers of train derailments and the potential consequences for individuals who tamper with critical infrastructure. It also raises questions about the role of social media in amplifying such events and the challenges authorities face in investigating crimes captured on video.

The details

According to court records, Hertzler initially faced two counts of criminal mischief, but one was dropped as part of a plea deal. The derailment occurred on April 21, 2024 when a BNSF train came off the rails at a railroad crossing in Bennet. Two locomotives and five railcars collided with an empty coal car, though no injuries were reported. Investigators determined that a switch had been misaligned, leading the train onto an industry track. Hertzler, who was 17 at the time, was at the scene filming the derailment and later shared the video with local news outlet 10/11 News.

  • On April 21, 2024, a BNSF train derailed in Bennet, Nebraska at 6:10 p.m.
  • In August 2024, a court ruled that Hertzler should be charged as an adult.
  • On Monday, Hertzler was convicted of one count of criminal mischief over $5,000.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026.

The players

Zachary Hertzler

A 19-year-old man who was convicted of criminal mischief for derailing a train in Bennet, Nebraska in 2024 and posting the viral video online.

BNSF Railway

The railway company whose train was derailed in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously a switch was flipped the wrong way”

— Zachary Hertzler

What’s next

Hertzler faces sentencing on June 22, 2026, where he could receive up to 2 years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision, and a $10,000 fine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result from tampering with critical infrastructure, even if the intent was to capture a viral video. It also underscores the challenges authorities face in investigating crimes that are recorded and shared on social media.