Two Workers Injured After Train Derailment in Tempe

August 4, 2020

TEMPE, AZ – Two Union Pacific contractors were injured when they were splashed with a toxic liquid following last week’s explosive train crash on the Tempe Town Lake bridge, KJZZ reports.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Assistant Chief Andrea Glass said that a 50-year-old man was splashed in the face with a hazardous chemical called cyclohexanone as he was disconnecting a hose. The worker was taken to a local hospital with serious but not life-threatening burns. A second worker was splashed on the chest and received treatment at the scene. He declined hospitalization.

Glass says the leak has since stopped, and that less than 10 gallons in total was spilled.

Update: NTSB Investigates the Cause of Union Pacific Derailment

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board released an update regarding thispreviously reportedhazardous train derailment that occurred in late July. According toRT&S, three locomotives were pulling 97 cars weighing over 11,000 pounds. Twelve of the cars were derailed as a result of the incident. Three of those cars were carrying cyclohexanone, a chemical which has several industrial applications. The derailment caused approximately 2,201 gallons of the chemical to be released onto the bridge and surrounding area. The FBI led the investigation into the official cause of the crash. Based on data from an onboard event recorder, the locomotive was traveling at 23 mph when the derailment occurred. The incident remains under investigation.

One emergency responder was transported to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Officials estimate that damage is estimated to be between $8 and $10 million.

Contact Phillips Law Group for Help With Your Accident Claim

Workplace injuries can be devastating, especially when they involve dangerous chemicals. If you have been injured on the job, you could be facing mounting medical bills with no way to pay for them. Call to find out how our experienced Tempe train accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group may be able to help.

Free Initial Consultation. No Upfront Costs. 1-800-706-3000