Hazmat team dealing with methanol leak after Texas train derailment
About a dozen cars, several of which had been carrying methanol, have overturned in a train derailment north of Valley Mills, TX. People in the surrounding area have been evacuated by a hazmat team which is dealing with the chemical leak at the scene.
Five of the derailed cars were carrying methanol, Department of Public Safety spokesman Trooper D.L. Wilson said, reported AP. Two of the methanol-hauling tanks have started leaking.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident but as a precaution, Wilson confirmed, ten homes in the area were evacuated.
Here is a pic of the overturned cars. pic.twitter.com/hJsdP9rARK
— Kristianna Gross (@KXXV_Kristianna) March 21, 2015
Bosque County Emergency Management are still on the major train derailment about a mile north of the Valley Mills city limits after multiple train cars overturned and started leaking chemicals.
“VMVFD unit and multiple agency are work a MAJOR HAZMAT EMERGENCY just north of the city limits,” the city’s fire department said on its Facebook page.
BREAKING: #Train#derailment 2 miles north of Valley Mills. Four cars could have hazardous materials and leaking. pic.twitter.com/YyycSIx8C3
— Lauren Partain (@lpartain_kwtx) March 21, 2015
CBS Texas reports that seven of the derailed cars were flatbeds carrying drill pipes in addition to the five tankers containing methanol. Overall the train was made up of 40 cars.
Post by Albert Curtis Rodriguez.
Hazmat teams are monitoring air and water conditions at the scene, saying their biggest concern is the environment, now that everyone downwind have been evacuated, reported Kristianna Gross of News Channel 25 in Waco.
3 of the 11 cars that overturned are tankers carrying unknown substance. Hazmat crews just arrived. pic.twitter.com/w2NTPHVfxR
— Kristianna Gross (@KXXV_Kristianna) March 21, 2015
The cause of the derailment remains unclear at present, but heavy rainfall in the area may have been a factor. The fire department urged residents to stay clear of State Highway 6 and FM 217.
So far no word on any injuries. I was told cause of the derailment is still unknown at this time. pic.twitter.com/evrEZQJyKm
— Kristianna Gross (@KXXV_Kristianna) March 21, 2015
