ICYMI: Train derailment occurs in Lincoln Parish Sunday morning

by Malcolm Butler

A peaceful Sunday morning in Lincoln Parish was interrupted by a train derailment that occurred due east of the intersection of Highway 563 between Simsboro and Grambling.

The derailment occurred around 6:30 a.m. this morning and included railway cars associated with the Canadian Pacific Kansas City, a Canadian railway holding company.

According to Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Landon Hunt, the derailment included 19 cars and the cause is still under investigation. The train was moving westbound.

Although a few of the railway cars included hazardous materials, Hunt said all of the cars were intact and none were punctured.

“There were multiple cars from CPKC that derailed early this morning just east of Simsboro,” said Hunt. “There were no injuries and there are no leaks from any of the cars. There is no threat to the general public or the environment.”

Hunt said that the derailment was worked by officials from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police hazmat team, the Lincoln Parish Emergency Preparedness Office, Ruston Fire Department, Lincoln Parish Fire District and Pafford EMS.

There was some disruption to traffic as Highway 563 was blocked between Braswell Lane and Highway 80 while Highway 150 was blocked at Hyatt Road.

Crews were on scene Sunday beginning to clear rail cars and fix the track. Hunt said railway officials said cleanup should be completed by tonight or by first thing in the morning.

“Traffic may or may not be open by tomorrow,” said Hunt. “Sometimes trains will be moving but a lot of the heavy equipment is still parked in and around the area and still keeping the roads from opening.”

This is the fourth train derailment in Lincoln Parish since 2007.

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