Train that derailed in Mohave County was carrying corn syrup, not hazardous materials

Officials say the train derailed on Interstate 40 near the Arizona/California border and was carrying toxic chemicals, but no spills have been reported.
Published: Mar. 15, 2023 at 9:39 PM MST|Updated: Mar. 16, 2023 at 6:48 AM MST
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MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Officials are investigating after a train derailed in Mohave County on Wednesday evening.

Officials say the train derailed on Interstate 40 near the Arizona/Nevada border. While no spills have been reported, sheriff deputies initially reported that the train could have been carrying hazardous materials. However, the rail provider says those reports were untrue.

The train derailment in Mohave County didn't contain hazardous materials, a BNSF Railway...
The train derailment in Mohave County didn't contain hazardous materials, a BNSF Railway spokesperson said.(Courtesy of Chris Higa)

“BNSF Railway can confirm that a train carrying corn syrup derailed” around 7:40 p.m., company spokesperson Lena Kent told CNN in an email. “There were no injuries as a result of the derailment and preliminarily reports indicate there are no hazardous materials involved.” The cause of the derailment of approximately eight cars is under investigation, according to Kent. The main track is blocked and Kent said it is not known when it will be reopened.

The crash also caused delays for Amtrak trains traveling to and from Los Angeles, according to several tweets from the train company.

The National Transportation Safety Board and BNSF Railway are still actively responding to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay with Arizona’s Family for the latest updates as they come into our newsroom.

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Mohave County Sheriff's spokeswoman says the train derailed near Interstate 40 and the Arizona/California border Wednesday night.(azfamily)