A freight train derails, causing road closures near New Mexico-Arizona border

The New Mexico State Police announced on Facebook that the train was carrying propane and gasoline at the time of the derailment. No injuries have been reported at this time.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: April 27, 2024 4:41pm

A freight train derailing and catching fire resulted in road closures of an interstate on Friday, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced.

“I-40 EB is closed at milepost 357 due to a train derailment in New Mexico,” the Arizona DOT wrote on social media platform, X. “Expect delays & seek an alternate route. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.”

The New Mexico State Police announced on Facebook that the train was carrying propane and gasoline at the time of the derailment.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

The Associated Press reported that the cause of the derailment is being investigated by the BNSF Railway.

"We're monitoring the train derailment near the NM-AZ border closely - especially potential contamination from leaking hazardous materials," Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., wrote on X.