In a Friday afternoon incident, a train in New Mexico derailed, resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 40. According to McKinley County Fire & Rescue, the emergency response team was dispatched shortly after 12:40 p.m. to the scene near the state line where the train had veered off the tracks and caught fire.

The BNSF Railway reported that a total of 35 rail cars had derailed, with six of them carrying propane. As a precautionary measure, evacuation orders were issued for residents within a two-mile radius of the derailment and fire along the state line with Arizona. BNSF Railway has informed that these orders remain in place until further notice.

Simultaneously, Interstate 40 has been closed in both directions and alternative routes are being provided to redirect traffic. Sadly, there is no anticipated timeframe for the reopening of the affected stretch, as announced by the New Mexico State Police on their official Facebook page.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of investigators, expected to arrive on Saturday, to document the scene and examine the train and the equipment involved in the accident. Meanwhile, BNSF Railway is conducting ongoing air monitoring and fire suppression assessments at the site.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far. BNSF Railway has expressed its commitment to working together with local public safety agencies within a Unified Command structure to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected community throughout the incident. They are also providing necessary lodging and accommodations to those displaced by the evacuations.

Public figures have also taken notice of the situation. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg addressed the derailment, emphasizing the coordination efforts across state, Tribal, and local agencies to ensure the safety of the region. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her concern about the incident on social media, stating that the State of Arizona is ready to deploy resources to support the affected communities.

As the investigation continues and the impacted area remains restricted, residents and commuters are advised to follow the guidance provided by state and local authorities for alternative routes and detour information around Interstate 40. The safety and security of the community remain the top priority as various agencies collaborate to manage this incident effectively.