CHAPPELL, Neb. — Approximately 30 cars of a Union Pacific intermodal train derailed Sunday in the town of Chappell, leading to the short-term evacuation of a few residents as a precautionary measure and closing U.S. Route 30 for about two hours.
KNOP-TV reports the incident was reported about 5:30 p.m., and that an evacuation of the west side of Chappell was lifted about 7:30 p.m., according to the Chappell Volunteer Fire Department.
News Channel Nebraska reports there were no injuries. It quotes Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas as saying the evacuation was precautionary because the contents of the train were unknown.
Chappell (population 844 as of the 2020 census) is approximately 30 miles east of Sidney, Neb., and 94 miles west of North Platte on UP’s Sidney Subdivision. Images from the North Platte Post show wreckage from the derailment fully blocking the double-track main line. UP reported the number of derailed cars in a statement to the Post, and said the cause is under investigation.
— Updated at 8:35 p.m. CT with revised number of cars involved.
How MANY CARS?
Temps rising in the plains for the first time, impacts?