In an overnight train derailment in Unity Village, two locomotive crew members suffered only minor injuries.
According to the fire department, they received a notification about the derailment in a densely wooded area along Little Cedar Creek between Rhinehart Road and NW Colbern Road. This incident occurred around 12:45 a.m.
When the crews arrived at the scene, LSFD reported that they found approximately 12-20 rail cars from the 144-car train, including the locomotives, overturned.
Upon initial inspection, the LSFD confirmed that there was no presence of any hazardous material and concluded that there had been no fire.
According to the fire department, two employees from the railroad were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening.
In a Sunday morning update, Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté provided an update on the two individuals who were injured, confirming that they were the engineer and conductor.
The LSFD collaborated with Union Pacific to evaluate the scene.
After confirming that there were no hazards, the fire department departed from the scene.
Union Village officials and Union Pacific personnel will collaborate to address the aftermath of the derailment, focusing on the cleanup process.
The fire department has announced the closure of the Carl Chinnery Nature Trail, while reassuring the public that all other facilities at Unity Village remain open.
