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Train derails in Oakwood in Leon County; evacuation ordered
An evacuation has been ordered for some Oakwood residents as emergency crews are struggle to put out a fire on a derailed train in Leon County.
Two train cars are on fire after a train derailed on the Union Pacific track about three miles south of Oakwood around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Larry Keith, communications director for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. A total of seven train cars and one engine were derailed in the accident.
The train was carrying airbag inflators and seatbelt modules, Keith said. The materials could produce hazardous fumes if they are burning, he said.
Residents who live within 1 1/2 miles of the train derailment must evacuate. Keith said evacuees may go to the Oakwood School gymnasium for shelter.
Firefighters from the Oakwood and Buffalo fire departments are working to get contain the fire. The train track runs parallel to State Highway 79, but there are no county roads or streets that access the track.
“It’s not next to any roadway where we can get in there to it, and we can’t get any of the fire trucks in there,” Keith said. “The foundation is like a swampy area, and we can’t get anything through to the location of the fire.”
Keith said the Flynn Fire Department brought some all-terrain vehicles to the scene to transport firefighters near the train derailment.
The crew of the train escaped the fire unharmed. No injuries have been reported, Keith said.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Headlines, Around Central Texas, Transportation
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By kim
April 23, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My dad was the conductor on the train that derailed. The fire was already out of control when they arrived to the tressle, probably arson, of course they were unable to stop. I think that this is a horrible display of criminal behavior that could have cost many lives. Apparently when they crossed the tressle, the wheels were not even on the track. I hope that those responsible are punished to the utmost degree. It is senseless and careless and I hope those responsible are found SOON!