At approximately 0130 hours, on 2/27/2008 a Union Pacific train derailed in Alpine, TX. Union Pacific reported the incident to the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC assigned the incident #863463. The derailment impacted two railcars carrying hazardous materials. An undetermined amount of Tetrahydrofuran was released onto the rail ballast. A rail car of Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate was also involved in the derailment but no release is reported.
The Alpine Volunteer Fire Department responded to the derailment and reported that they believe the entire contents of the Tetrahyrofuran container(estimated 3500 gallons)were released. They also indicated that an evacuation of ½ miles is on-going and that they are awaiting Union Pacific representatives arrival on site, before any additional response actions are taken. OSC Mason and START3 have been deployed to the incident.
OSC Mason and (six) START-3 contractors have mobilized to Alpine, Texas with communications and air monitoring/sampling equipment.
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