A freight train carrying fuel derailed and caught fire near the Arizona-New Mexico state line, prompting the closure of Interstate 40, a crucial trucking route. The incident occurred near Lupton, Arizona, with initial reports showing crumpled train cars and billowing black smoke.
No injuries were reported in the midday train wreck, and BNSF Railway personnel are currently on-site working to clear the wreckage. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Authorities closed Interstate 40 in both directions in the area, diverting traffic to alternate routes. The train was transporting non-odorous propane and gasoline, with six rail cars catching fire and burning for several hours after the derailment.
Local firefighting crews responded to the scene, evacuating nearby residences and a truck stop as a precaution due to thick smoke carried by the wind. Amtrak also canceled some passenger travel, including the route between Los Angeles and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Traffic on I-40 backed up for over 10 miles, prompting the opening of detours on two-lane roads and highways. The New Mexico Department of Transportation warned of an extended highway closure that would increase traffic on other interstates, such as I-25 and I-10.
The Arizona Corporation Commission, responsible for railroad safety, reported that 10 rail cars were involved in the derailment, with two transporting liquid petroleum. While initially planning to send a railroad inspector to the site, it was later confirmed that the derailment occurred on the New Mexico side of the tracks.
