Train Carrying Hazardous Material Derails on Bridge

July 29, 2020

TEMPE, AZ – A Union Pacific train hauling hazardous material derailed on a bridge over Tempe Town Lake this morning, causing a massive conflagration that one witness likened to a “scene from hell.” Police are urging people to stay away from the area as firefighters combat the blaze.

CNN reportsthat one person has been treated for smoke inhalation. The train’s crew did not appear to be injured, and it is unclear at this time whether anyone else was hurt.

The train, which was en route to Phoenix from Tucson at the time, derailed at about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, causing the bridge it was traveling on to collapse and sending several railcars crashing into the park below. As many as ten cars soon caught fire.

@TempePolice and Tempe Fire are on scene of a train derailment and large fire over Tempe Town Lake. Several roads are restricted near Tempe Town Lake and west of downtown Tempe. Please avoid the area.

”” Tempe Police (@TempePolice) July 29, 2020

Among the materials the train was hauling at the time was a hazardous material called cyclohexanone, a flammable liquid used as an industrial solvent and in the production of nylon. Fortunately, none of the tank cars containing the chemical were involved in the blaze.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated if more information becomes available.