At approximately 0503 a Union Pacific train collided with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train, causing injuries and fatalities. Approximately half of one 90-ton chlorine tanker car released during the day, resulting in road closures and a partial evacuation within one half mile. At least 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel has been released from three wrecked locomotives. Site conditions have prevented a fourth locomotive from being inspected. Diesel has pooled within three hundreds yards of the Medina River. The current average flow rate of the Medina is approximately 6,000 cubic feet per second. The site is SW of San Antonio in Macdona, Bexar County, Texas. A Shelter-in-place advisory continues for some residences within one mile.
Railroad crews are continuing attempts to stabilize and patch the damaged chlorine car.
Air monitoring instrumentation and teams have been deployed to support 24-hr operations. Monitoring data is being shared with all UP, state and county officials.
Lime slurry is being applied to wreck area to neutralize HCL formed during the chlorine release.
Railroad has been advised of the need to contain diesel fuel.
Monitoring and clean up activities are being coordinated with the TCEQ Strike Team.
Developing and implementing Uniifed Command. SAFD advises that they will demobe upon completion of body recovery operations.
Entry team will deploy two USEPA/START AreaRaes near the wreckage.
Railroad intends to offload remaining chlorine into other cars tomorrow. Roads will be closed and an evacuation advised during offloading and car removal operation.
TCEQ will oversee sight clean-up.
Civilian and railroad fatalities.
Chlorine car remains unstable.
Diesel spill must be contained prior to rain event.
Initiate site air monitoring.
Develop and implement UC/ICS.
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