NewsNational News

Actions

Train derails in Tempe, Arizona, causing fire and partial bridge collapse

Train derails in Tempe, Arizona, causing fire and partial bridge collapse
Posted at 10:29 AM, Jul 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-29 13:06:05-04

TEMPE, AZ — A train has caught fire after a derailment on a railroad bridge over Tempe Town Lake.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. local time on the south side of the lake near Mill Avenue.

A spokesperson with Tempe Fire Department says the incident involves a Union Pacific train that derailed and caused a partial bridge collapse over Tempe Town Lake.

About 90 firefighters from multiple departments are at the scene of the second-alarm hazardous materials response.

A Union Pacific spokesperson says eight to 10 rail cars caught fire and three tank cars fell onto an empty park area below.

The spokesperson says two tank cars contained cyclohexanone and one contained a rubber material. None are believed to be leaking and no tank cars were involved in the fire.

One person was reportedly treated for smoke inhalation, but the train crew is not injured. No other injuries have been reported.

The Phoenix region's Valley Metro says light rail trains are not crossing Tempe Town Lake at this time due to the fire. Valley Metro's train service is being rerouted at Mill Ave/3rd St and Center Parkway/Wash St.

Tempe Police say some streets in the area are also restricted and freeway traffic on the nearby Loop 202 may be impacted due to smoke.
It's unknown what caused the derailment.

This story was originally published by Ashley Loose on KNXV in Phoenix.