MALAKOFF, Texas — 38 Union Pacific train cars derailed in Malakoff, Texas, south of the Cedar Creek Reservoir, on Wednesday evening with the cleanup efforts continuing Thursday.
MALAKOFF, Texas — 38 Union Pacific train cars derailed in Malakoff, Texas, south of the Cedar Creek Reservoir, on Wednesday evening with the cleanup efforts continuing Thursday.
The derailment was reported just before 6 p.m. on a westbound train and resulted in a diesel fuel spill from two ruptured tankers, Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson Jeff DeGraff told inForney.com.
In addition to the two diesel tanker cars, DeGraff says additional train cars included box cars carrying paper and flat cars carrying steel coils.
In a 1:26 a.m. update, DeGraff says the diesel spill was contained and was not a threat to waterways or public spaces.
“No other HAZMAT released occurred,” he said.
DeGraff says work is already underway to re-rail or removed the damaged train cars to assess and repair the railroad.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
At this time, a cause has not been identified and its unknown when the railroad will reopen, according to DeGraff.
“Drivers are encouraged to be careful traveling on Hwy 31 through Malakoff as heavy equipment is being staged along the roadway,” he said.
Several area law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency personnel responded to the scene.
