Train derailment prompts evacuations in Devore

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Train derailment prompts evacuations in Devore
At least 15 cars derailed off tracks in the Devore area on Tuesday, which prompted evacuations of surrounding buildings as a precaution.

DEVORE, Calif. (KABC) -- At least 15 cars derailed off tracks in the Devore area on Tuesday, which prompted evacuations of surrounding buildings as a precaution.

The train derailment happened in the 7200 block of Cajon Boulevard near Devore Boulevard, according to San Bernardino County fire officials. The train was heading downhill from Barstow to Los Angeles at the time.

BNSF Railway officials said 11 of the 15 cars are tank cars, nine of which are leaking. As far as what liquids are inside the train: denatured alcohol, potassium oxide and generic flammable liquid.

San Bernardino police and county fire officials said there was no immediate threat to the area, but a FedEx center and HP facility nearby were evacuated as a precaution.

No injuries were reported.

Fire officials said there were no fire and vapor clouds, and they were in a good position to put drones in the air to assess the situation.

Around 3 p.m., hazmat crews were able to stop the tanks that leaked fluids, and the evacuation order was lifted.

Cajon Boulevard was shut down on both sides as an investigation continued. The closure was lifted by the afternoon.

During the closure, several residents said they were frustrated because they had no way of getting home.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

BNSF Railway officials said about 100 trains go through the area a day. All were temporarily stopped.

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