Freight train carrying dangerous goods derails in Arizona

TOPOC, Ariz. (AP) — A freight train carrying dangerous goods derailed Wednesday night in western Arizona near the California-Nevada border, officials said.

The train that derailed near the town of Topok was not aware of the spill or leak, said Anita Mortensen, a spokesperson for the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office, adding that it was not aware of the spill.

Mortensen said the derailment occurred near Milepost 9 on Interstate 40. The location is rural and non-residential about 20 miles (32 km) north of Lake Havasu City.

Mortensen said he did not have details about how many cars were on the train or what supplies they were carrying when the train derailed. No injuries have been reported.

The sheriff’s office has notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the railroad company BNSF, and said the two agencies would respond to the accident, she said.

Both did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday night.

The incident comes weeks after a freight train derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, leaving hundreds evacuated. The train was en route from Madison, Illinois to Conway, Pennsylvania.

In an attempt to avert an uncontrolled explosion, officials intentionally set five railcars on fire by releasing toxic PVC, sending flames and black smoke high into the air. So despite authorities claiming they are doing their best to protect people, people have started to question the potential health effects.