A Union Pacific merchandise train derailed in El Paso, Texas, on Monday night, killing a railroad employee.
Two cars derailed into a back yard on the 7700 block of Barton Street, the El Paso Fire Department reported. Fifty residents were evacuated briefly until a damaged natural gas line could be shut down.
The accident occurred on a triple-track section of the Sunset Route, less than a mile east of UP’s Alfalfa Yard.
“We are deeply saddened that a Union Pacific employee lost his life … after two train cars derailed in the Alfalfa Rail Yard,” UP spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said in an email. “The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. CDT during a routine process used to process an arriving train. During the derailment, a rail car ruptured a natural gas line. The Texas Gas Company secured the gas line. We continue to work with local and federal authorities on the investigation and are not releasing the employee’s name, at this time.”
She adds: “Our thoughts are with the employee’s family and coworkers. Union Pacific employees are encouraged to call the Employee Assistance Line 24/7 for additional support.”
Updated at 9:53 Central Time with statement from Union Pacific.
Prayers for the family of this railroad employee