Railway disaster near New Mexico-Arizona state line

 

The derailment of a freight train near the New Mexico-Arizona state line has prompted evacuations and closures, as reported by Rebekah Riess and Paradise Afshar:

1. Derailed Train: Thirty-five rail cars of a freight train derailed near the state line on Friday afternoon, with six of the derailed cars carrying propane.

2. Evacuations: Residents within a two-mile radius of the derailment and fire were ordered to evacuate. Authorities are taking precautions due to the potential hazards posed by the derailed train cars, particularly those carrying propane.

3. Interstate Closure: A 50-mile stretch of Interstate 40 has been closed in both directions as a result of the incident. Traffic is being rerouted, and there is currently no projected end to the closure.

4. Response Efforts: Emergency response teams, including McKinley County Fire & Rescue and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are on the scene to assess the situation. Air monitoring and fire suppression assessments are ongoing.

5. No Reported Injuries: Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries as a result of the derailment. BNSF Railway, the operator of the train, is working with displaced residents to provide necessary lodging and accommodations.

6. Government Response: Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs have both addressed the incident on social media, emphasizing coordination between state and local agencies to ensure safety in the affected region.

The situation remains ongoing, with investigations and response efforts underway to mitigate the impact of the derailment and ensure the safety of residents in the area.