SMITHVILLE, Texas — Tanker cars leaked hydrochloric acid after a Union Pacific train carrying hazardous cargo derailed in Smithville on Sunday morning.
The incident happened around 5 a.m. at State Highway 95 and Martin Luther King Drive, the City of Smithville said. No one was injured.
The tanker cars were empty, but some were leaking residual acid. Around seven cars were involved in the derailment, Union Pacific said.
Smithville Volunteer Fire Department and Smithville Police Department set up a perimeter 150 yards from the train, and Union Pacific HAZMAT teams were on site. The leaking chemical tanker was plugged and crews were working to clear the pile-up.
The City said a Union Pacific air quality expert confirmed a negative test for airborne hydrochloric acid and deemed the area safe for the approximate 25 families who were evacuated to return. The area remains closed to the public.
Live Oak Street, Fourth Avenue and MLK Drive crossing at SH 95 were all blocked as crews worked on the accident. Local traffic can use the Marburger and/or Taylor Street railroad crossings.
TxDOT closed SH 95 at FM 2571 and FM 535 due to the incident. By 3:30 p.m., all lanes had reopened.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
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