18 train cars derail in Central El Paso, cause road closures
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A train derailed Thursday on Cotton Street near Montana and Wyoming Avenue. The El Paso Fire Department said 18 train cars derailed, 10 of which overturned.
El Paso fire said it happened at 11:43 a.m.
EPFD and Union Pacific said no injuries were reported. EPFD is assessing the derailment. There’s no word on what caused the cars to derail.
“Union Pacific crews are responding to the incident, which is under investigation,” Union Pacific said.
Police said the following streets are closed:
I-10 East and West between Cotton and Downtown I-10 West Cotton off ramp and Cotton/Missouri Willow Street Texas Avenue and Cotton Cotton Street and Missouri
Plan an alternate route if you plan on driving in the area.
Seventeen EPFD units and 40 firefighters responded to the derailment. The El Paso Police and Fire departments used drones to monitor the scene.
EPFD’s Hazardous Materials Task Force determined there aren’t any hazardous materials of concern, and any spilled materials don’t pose a threat to the public.
Union Pacific took over the scene and will oversee the cleanup and derailed cars’ removal.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said he’s been in contact with Union Pacific and the City of El Paso’s Office of Emergency Management.
On social media, the mayor posted the following statement:
“A train derailment occurred this afternoon near Missouri Avenue and Cotton Street in Central El Paso. Emergency crews responded immediately, and several streets in the area have been closed while crews work the scene.
I have been in direct contact with Union Pacific and the City’s Office of Emergency Management. The scene is contained, and at this time, there is no immediate threat to the health or safety of people in the surrounding area.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the community informed as more information becomes available.
Please avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to continue their work.”
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