Freight train derails, catches fire and forces border interstate closure near Arizona-New Mexico state line – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A goods/ freight train, which was carrying fuel, got derailed and caught fire on Friday near the Arizona-New Mexico state line, prompting the shutdown of an interstate highway. No injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses initially shared images and videos on social media showing mangled train cars and thick black smoke billowing into the air.
The incident occurred around midday near Lupton, Arizona.Lena Kent, a spokesperson for BNSF Railway, confirmed that company personnel were on the scene, working to clear the wreckage. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Authorities swiftly closed interstate 40 in both directions in the affected area, diverting traffic onto alternative routes, as announced by New Mexico State Police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The train was carrying non-odorous propane and gasoline, with six rail cars catching fire and burning for hours afterward, according to New Mexico State Police Lt. Phil Vargas, who mentioned that efforts were focused on allowing the burning cars to extinguish themselves.
“It looks like they’re just letting those (rail) cars burn themselves out,” Vargas said.
Due to thick smoke and safety concerns, nearby residences and a truck stop were evacuated, and local firefighting crews were deployed to tackle the blaze. The incident also led to the cancellation of some Amtrak passenger services, including those between Los Angeles and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Traffic congestion stretched for over 10 miles on I-40, although diversions were arranged via two-lane roads and highways, according to Kristine Bustos-Mihelcic, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The agency warned of an extended closure, anticipating increased traffic on other interstate highways like I-25 and I-10.
The Arizona Corporation Commission, responsible for railroad safety oversight, initially reported on social media that ten rail cars were involved in the derailment, with two carrying liquid petroleum. However, they later clarified that the incident occurred on the New Mexico side of the tracks.
(With inputs from agency)

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