Train Derailment in Waxahachie: Cleanup Updates and Road Closures

Train Derailment and Initial Response

• 🚆 A Union Pacific train carrying 110 cars derailed in downtown Waxahachie around 11:30 PM Tuesday.
• ⚠️ 16 cars derailed, with 14 tipping over, between Peter Street and Gibson Street, causing significant disruption.
• 🌧️ Cleanup efforts, which began 12 hours prior to reporting, are being complicated by ongoing rain.

Hazardous Materials and Safety

• 🧪 The derailed cars were carrying ethanol, a hazardous and highly flammable material.
• 🚨 Hazmat teams are on-site, but officials report no leaks or spills and no current risk to the community.
• 🛠️ Crews are carefully working to right the tipped cars and clear the tracks.

Road Closures and Community Impact

• 🚧 The derailment has prompted several road closures throughout the downtown area.
• ⏳ There is currently no timeline for when the area will be cleared or roads reopened.
• 🏘️ City crews will need to survey impacted roads for lingering hazards after the train is cleared.
• 🗣️ A long-time resident described the scene as "terrible," noting wheels in the road and torn-up tracks.
• ⚠️ Officials are urging the public to avoid the affected area.