Train Derails in Brownwood

A BNSF-owned train derailed near the edge of Brownwood this evening. According to the Brownwood Bulletin, Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright said that the six derailed train cars resting beneath the Truman Harlow US 377 South/Brady Highway pose no threat to residents in the area. The Bulletin reported that the roadways underneath the bridge are closed.

No injuries have been reported.

Four of the cars are on their sides and two remained upright but are off the tracks, Albright said. There is no danger with the freight and no injuries were reported, but roads beneath the bridge will be closed indefinitely.

Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford said that BNSF crews are on the scene, and equipment is currently on the way to upright the cars and repair the track.  An investigation is ongoing and BNSF has not yet released the cause of the derailment, she said.

The City of Brownwood reported that the following streets are closed tonight and are expected to be closed most of Tuesday, Dec. 1.

• Intersection of Center and Carnegie
• Both sides of the access road of Hwy. 377 at the Truman Harlow Overpass
• Carnegie Exit of Hwy. 377 northbound
• Fisk St. Exit of Hwy. 377 southbound

Highway 377 is open.

Six rail cars have derailed from a BNSF train under the Truman Harlow Overpass (Hwy. 377 South).  Two cars are upright and four are laying on their sides.  Contents of the cars are silica sand and one is a food grade product.  There is no public threat or toxic material.

“Please avoid this area for safety and to reduce delays in your travels.  As roads are opened, information will be updated,” Crawford said in an email.

Texas Pacifico, the San Angelo railroad, cuts north towards I-20 on the east side of Ballinger near the Coleman cutoff. Texas Pacifico trains are not involved in this derailment, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Grindstaff.