BNSF Railway Freight Train Derails and Catches Fire in Arizona, Closing I-40

On Friday afternoon, a BNSF Railway freight train carrying gasoline and odorless propane derailed and caught fire near Houck, Arizona. The incident forced the closure of Interstate 40 eastbound at milepost 357, causing significant traffic disruptions. No injuries were reported, and emergency crews were quickly sent to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading.

According to BNSF Railway, about six rail cars were involved in the derailment, which occurred around 11:42 a.m. Arizona time. The train was transporting non-odorous propane and gasoline when the accident happened. As a precautionary measure, nearby residences and a truck stop were evacuated due to the thick smoke coming from the burning rail cars.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by BNSF Railway. Congressman Ruben Gallegos has been in communication with Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, and the federal government is working to send necessary resources and personnel to contain the situation and any potential contamination.

The incident has led to widespread travel disruptions in the region. Authorities have shut down I-40 westbound at mile marker 16 in New Mexico and eastbound traffic in Arizona at mile marker 333. Evacuations have been ordered for homes within two miles from the 1/2 mile marker of I-40 in New Mexico. Traffic on I-40 has backed up for more than 10 miles, and the highway closure is expected to increase congestion on other interstate highways, including I-25 and I-10.

Why this matters: The derailment and subsequent fire have raised concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous materials by rail. The incident comes just over a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released dangerous chemicals and put the railways into the spotlight.

Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) expressed concerns about potential contamination from leaking hazardous materials and is closely monitoring the situation. The derailment has also caused disruptions to Amtrak passengers, with the daily run of the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles cut short, leaving some passengers stranded in Albuquerque. As the investigation continues, BNSF Railway and federal authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and minimize its impact on the surrounding communities and environment.

Key Takeaways

• BNSF freight train carrying gasoline and propane derailed and caught fire near Houck, AZ.
• Interstate 40 closed in both directions, causing major traffic disruptions in the region.
• No injuries reported, but nearby residences and a truck stop were evacuated due to smoke.
• Cause of derailment under investigation, raising concerns about hazardous material transport safety.
• Derailment disrupted Amtrak service, stranding some passengers in Albuquerque.