In a concerning incident near the Arizona-New Mexico border, a freight train carrying fuel derailed, causing a large fire and necessitating a two-mile evacuation and traffic closures. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident.

The derailment occurred on Friday at approximately 1:45 p.m. MT near Manuelito, New Mexico, according to the NTSB. Preliminary information from the NTSB suggests that at least 22 train cars, including multiple propane tank cars, derailed, resulting in two tank cars catching fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has taken charge of the investigation, with support from the NTSB. The FRA promptly responded to the derailment on Friday, accompanied by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Later today, a team of NTSB investigators is expected to arrive at the scene to document and examine the train and its equipment.

New Mexico State Police disclosed that the train was transporting gasoline and non-odorous propane. The blaze resulting from the derailment generated thick black smoke, visible in the vicinity. BNSF, the freight railroad responsible for the train, stated that their personnel are diligently working to clear the site while ensuring safety.

As a consequence of the derailment, traffic disruptions forced the temporary closure of a section of Interstate 40 and the affected track. Consequently, Amtrak has suspended service between Albuquerque and Los Angeles until the track reopens, causing inconvenience for passengers.

The Apache County Sheriff's Office in Arizona, along with other responding agencies, treated the scene as a hazardous materials incident. Consequently, an evacuation was ordered within a two-mile radius of the event, affecting parts of the Navajo Nation. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren urged everyone to stay away from the affected area, allowing emergency and hazmat teams to effectively manage the situation. Although local emergency crews have reported a low risk of immediate danger to the public, precautionary measures including home evacuations have been implemented.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed deep concern over the derailment and affirmed the state's readiness to provide necessary resources for community safety. Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego echoed these sentiments, pledging to work with state and federal partners to address the severity of the incident.

Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the Department's coordination efforts across state, tribal, and local agencies to ensure the region's safety.

As a result of the derailment, several Amtrak passengers found themselves stranded in Albuquerque. One such passenger, Michael Chupco, shared his plight, indicating that the earliest train he could catch was on Monday. Chupco expressed his frustration, stating that he cannot handle living on the streets at his age of 68.

Federal authorities and local agencies continue to investigate the cause of the derailment, focusing on determining its exact circumstances and implementing necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.