EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A cargo train derailment triggered an emergency response, with authorities closing off an area in Central El Paso while hazmat crews worked to contain the spill.
According to the El Paso Fire Department, 18 train cars derailed (10 of them overturning) at 11:43 a.m. in the area near I-10 and Cotton Street.
EPFD said the incident was classified as a “Hazmat condition 2,” and the Hazardous Materials Task Force investigated the materials that were spilled during the derailment.
Ultimately, EPFD said crews determined that “any spilled materials do not pose a threat to the public,” but did not identify what the material was.
No injuries were reported.
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to Union Pacific to learn more about what train cars were carrying.
EPFD said it turned the scene over to Union Pacific, which will clean up the scene and remove the train cars.
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The derailment also triggered a response by the El Paso Police Department, which handled the closure of many streets around the area, and by the Texas Department of Transportation, which checked on the bridge structure around the area to make sure they were not damaged– they weren’t TxDOT confirmed.
As a result of the derailment, the I-10 West Cotton off-ramp and Missouri Avenue before Cotton Street will remain closed until further notice.
According to EPFD, a total of 17 units and about 40 firefighters responded.
Drone video of Train derails in Central El Paso
Train derails in Central El Paso; crews assessing the situation. Aug. 20, 2026. Credit: FitFam
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