BNSF coal train derails in Texas

BNSF Railway logo

BRENHAM, Texas — Seventeen cars of a 127-car BNSF coal train derailed Tuesday (Dec. 24, 2024), near the town of Brenham, KHOU-TV reports. No injuries resulted but at least one grade crossing is facing an extended closure. The derailment occurred about 9:30 a.m. at the New Wehdem Road grade crossing adjacent to State Route 36, […]

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Mechanical problems cancel Texas Eagle round trip en route

Passenger train at station platform at night

ST. LOUIS — After attempting to rectify “ongoing mechanical issues” following the westbound Texas Eagle’s on-time arrival in St. Louis on Saturday evening, Dec. 21, Amtrak decided to cancel the train across the rest of its route to San Antonio, Tex., leaving Texas travelers with a lump of coal. An advisory at 11:50 p.m., more […]

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UP train was traveling 68 mph just before fatal Pecos collision

Damaged locomotive on its side surrounded by workers

PECOS, Texas — The Union Pacific train involved in Wednesday’s fatal derailment was going about 68 mph before beginning an emergency brake application, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement today (Friday, Dec. 20). Maximum speed on most of UP’s Toyah Subdivision, including in Pecos, is 70 mph. Two Union Pacific crew members […]

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Kansas awards $13 million for rail projects

Woman and two men in high-visibility safety vests with locomotive in background

TOPEKA, Kan. — Fourteen rail projects in Kansas will receive $13 million in funding from the state Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday (Dec. 18). The projects were selected from 22 applications for projects with a total cost of more than $33 million. Projects require a 30% match from […]

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Union Pacific trains collide in Texas, derailing 12 cars (updated)

Overturned tank cars

BAYTOWN, Texas — Approximately 12 cars derailed after one Union Pacific train rear-ended another on Friday night, sending two cars into a canal that feeds Houston’s water supply, KTRK-TV reports. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident about 8 p.m. on social media, and said no injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were […]

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UP train derails in Texas

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

RINGGOLD, Texas — Twenty-eight cars of a Union Pacific train derailed today near the Texas-Oklahoma state line, KFDX-TV reports. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved. The incident occurred about 1 p.m. north of the community of Ringgold, the Montague County Emergency Communications Team said in a post on Facebook. Cleanup is […]

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