Train hauling methanol derails in central Texas, prompting evacuations
VALLEY MILLS, Texas -- Texas authorities are evacuating homes after at least 10 train cars derailed near Valley Mills, including five tanker cars carrying methanol.
According to Bosque County Emergency Manager Tim Jeske, the derailment happened around 5 p.m. Saturday, CBS affiliate KWTV in Waco reported.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Trooper D.L. Wilson told the Associated Press one or two of the methanol-hauling tanks have small leaks.
A hazardous materials crew was on scene and environmental tests were being performed, according to KWTV.
Wilson says that as a precaution, about 10 homes within a thousand feet of the derailment have been evacuated.
No injuries or fires were been reported.
According to Wilson, the cause of the derailment is unknown. Heavy rain in the area was making it difficult for vehicles to get to the scene to unload material from the derailed cars, which also include seven flatbeds carrying oil-well pipes.
Valley Mills is about 25 miles northwest of Waco in central Texas.