Union Pacific Train Derails in Jewett, TX

October 18th, 2013 |

JEWETT, TX – A Union Pacific train derailed on October 16, in Jewett, TX, blocking U.S. Highway 79 and shutting down traffic. the city of Jewett is located in Leon County, Texas in the eastern central part of the state about 68 miles southeast of Waco.

A Union Pacific train derailed in Jewett, TX at the U.S. Highway 79 rail crossing near Farm to Market 347 on October 16, 2013.

UP train derais in Jewett, TX at the U.S. HWY 79 rail crossing near Farm to Market 347 Oct.16, 2013.

The derailment happened about 12:30 p.m. at the rail crossing near the Nucor Steel Plant entrance where Farm to Market 347 crosses U.S. Highway 79.

Map shows location of a Union Pacific train derailment in Jewett, TX at the U.S. Highway 79 rail crossing near Farm to Market 347 on October 16, 2013.

It is not clear exactly what caused 6 rail cars to jump the tracks, but officials have re-routed traffic along U.S. Highway 79 until the site was cleared and the cars re-railed.

There were no injuries to any railroad workers and no hazardous materials were involved.

The mishap is currently under investigation.

Blog post by Gordon, Elias & Seely, a FELA lawyer and Texas railroad injury lawyer who publishes train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.