MAURICEVILLE, Texas — Emergency officials have identified the hazardous materials involved in Thursday’s train derailment in Mauriceville.
25 rail cars derailed on the Kansas City Southern Railway Company’s (KCS) main line at FM 1130 in Orange County around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, according to a news release from the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.
The company said 10 of the railcars were empty, and 15 of the cars were loaded with materials.
Two hazmat ethylene oxide railcars and one hazmat propylene oxide railcar derailed, but all three are intact and are not leaking, according to the release.
Two hazmat monoethanolamine railcars derailed and were leaking a corrosive liquid, the release said. Officials said the leaks were contained, and the product was containerized for proper disposal.
KCS says the product from these railcars are hazardous upon direct contact but not from respiratory exposure. The company said the product released was mitigated without harm to the general public.
Four confirmed non-hazmat tank railcars were breached and leaking a petroleum product that did not represent a health risk to the general population, according to a news release from Orange County officials.
PHOTOS: Cleanup continues after Mauriceville train derailment
KCS says it’s working quickly with local and state agencies to clean the spilled products. The main line remains closed and trains are not being re-routed around the incident until further notice, according to the release.
The area will be reopened to the public as soon as it is safe, officials said. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation and will be reported to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Orange County Office of Emergency Management clarified which areas of town are closed off as crews continue assessing the damage following the derailment.
County officials said a designated evacuation area, that was reduced to FM 1130 at Len Drive East to Morvant Road, will remain in effect while crews work on removing debris from the train.
Highway 62 from Highway 12 South to FM 1078 will also remain closed, according to Orange County officials.
Anyone living in the affected zones are advised to remain out of the area while the cleanup of hazardous materials continue.
Emergency crews will continue reevaluating affected areas and safety protocols throughout the day in an effort to allow residents back in their homes and allow businesses to reopen.
Anyone in need of shelter is advised to contact the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300.
