Hazardous materials derailment near Palo Pinto County

A freight train derailed on a Coalville Road bridge in Palo Pinto County with possible hazardous materials, prompting HazMat response and an ongoing investigation.

Hazardous materials derailment near Palo Pinto County officials confirm

A Union Pacific train derailed on the Coalville Road bridge in Palo Pinto County around 2 p.m. local time, about two miles east of Gordon. Officials say roughly 35 railcars came off the tracks. No injuries have been reported and no cars are leaking contents, according to emergency services. Crews are on scene and working to mitigate hazards while a grass fire near the site is being contained. The incident is being treated as a HazMat situation, and investigators are looking into what caused the derailment.

This incident underscores how quickly a routine freight move can become a local safety concern when hazardous materials are involved. Even with no leaks reported yet, the presence of 35 derailed cars keeps residents in a heightened state of alert and tests the effectiveness of on scene coordination between the railroad, fire department and emergency managers. In the bigger picture, such derailments probe the balance between freight transport and public safety, and they spotlight the need for timely, transparent communication from operators and officials as investigations unfold.

Highlights

Authorities will provide updates as the investigation progresses