Union Pacific Train Derails Near Palmdale CA

August 1st, 2011 |

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA – Over a hundred Littlerock, California residents were evacuated on Wednesday, July 27, when a Union Pacific train carrying toxic chemicals derailed. Littlerock California is located in the Antelope Valley near Palmdale, California about 65 miles from Los Angeles.

littlerock-ca-union-pacific-train-derailment

Massive train derailment of Union Pacific freight train in Littlerock, CA where tanker cars reportedly were carrying hazardous materials.

The 70-car freight train was en route from Roseville, near Sacramento and heading towards Colton in San Bernardino County when the accident occurred at around 1:25 p.m. near 92nd Street East and East Avenue T.

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Map showing location of Union Pacific train derailment in Littlerock, CA near Palmdale on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. The derailment occurred near 92nd Street and East Avenue T.

Officials from the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.reported that Sixty-three cars derailed, half of which overturned.

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Fourteen tankers were carrying unknown hazardous materials, but officials say they were not leaking. HazMat crews were called to the scene.

Some of the tanker cars had residual amounts of chlorine and hydrogen flouride. Even though the tanker cars were, for all intents and purposes, empty, even small amounts of these toxic chemicals can be dangerous, whether it be 5 gallons, 10 gallons or even 200 gallons.

About 150 area homes had to be evacuated and were not allowed to return until all the tanker cars had been cleaned up.

There were two railroad workers operating the train when the accident occurred, but no injuries were reoprted at the time of the incident.

The derailment remains under investigation.

FELA Lawyer News Blog is a FELA, train accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date train accidents, train derailments and FELA legal news from across the United States. The Federal Employers ‘Liability Act, (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to recover compensation based on the negligence of the railroad company, in lieu of workers’ compensation. FELA defines negligence as the railroad company’s failure to use reasonable care.