On Tuesday afternoon, emergency services swiftly responded to a significant train derailment in Palo Pinto County, Texas. The incident occurred around 1:45 PM local time when a train derailed at the Coalville Road Bridge, resulting in multiple train cars being displaced and lying on their sides. Notably, nearly three dozen of these cars were confirmed to be carrying hazardous materials.
The Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District 1 promptly disseminated information via social media, assuring the public that there were no reported injuries and that none of the derailed cars were leaking their contents. The statement emphasized that crews, along with fire officials, were present on the scene to carefully manage and mitigate any potential hazards associated with the derailment. Due to the nature of the materials involved, the situation has been classified as a HazMat situation.
The train derailment took place over a railroad bridge on Coalville Road, located north of State Highway 183 and approximately two miles east of the town of Gordon. According to Union Pacific, a total of 35 cars derailed during the incident. Local authorities confirmed to CBS News that while these cars were carrying hazardous materials, there were no visible signs of leakage at the accident site.
Video footage captured at the scene depicted a grass fire and substantial smoke emanating from the area surrounding the wrecked train cars. Fire crews were actively engaged, utilizing hoses to combat the flames and ensure the safety of the area. Union Pacific officials have stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment is currently underway.
Despite the serious nature of the incident, local officials have confirmed that no evacuations are necessary at this time, as there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community. The ongoing efforts by emergency services aim to secure the area and prevent any further incidents related to the hazardous materials involved.
This train derailment serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and response in dealing with situations involving hazardous materials. As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to keep the public informed and safe.
