Thursday, May 21, 2015

TRAIN DERAILS IN BROWNWOOD, TEXAS





MAY 20, 2015

BROWNWOOD, TEXAS

This train derailed just before noon on Wednesday near the intersection of Stephen F. Austin Drive and FM 2376. According to crew members present, the train cars pose no immediate threat to the community. The road will be closed for up to 24 hours while a crane places the cars back on the track.

A small train derailed around the 3000 block of Stephen F. Austin Drive just before noon on Wednesday afternoon. The engine had just crossed the intersection of Stephen F. Austin Dr. and FM 2376 when the rear four cars began to derail.

According to the crew members present, the train cars pose no immediate threat to the community, as they are not carrying any hazardous materials. There is however a chance of one or more of the derailed cars to fall towards the roadway, a crewmember said. 

This safety threat has prompted the Brownwood Police Department to close the roadway to thru traffic until the incident has been resolved.

As of 12:30 p.m. the crane to re-rail the cars was en route from Brady, and expected to arrive to the scene at approximately 2 p.m. The crew said the process could take anywhere from eight to 24 hours to complete, but the roadway should be cleared by Thursday morning at the latest. 

The 3000 block of Stephen F. Austin Dr. will remain closed until the train has been moved and the Brownwood police department has advised to seek an alternate route.
Source: www.brownwoodtx.com