Union Pacific: Northeast Nevada train derailment spilled vegetable oil, aluminum oxide powder
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 11:50am
Interstate 80 near Wells in northeast Nevada was reopened Wednesday afternoon following a morning train derailment in which it was reported that munitions were on some of the train cars, according to the Elko County Sheriff's Office.
There were 22 cars that derailed. Some of the cars contained a shipment of vegetable oil, which spilled out and aluminum oxide powder that was released, according to Union Pacific Railroad reports provided to the Elko County Sheriff's Office. Aluminum oxide, a skin irritant, is not hazardous, but if in contact with skin, it should be washed off.
Rail cars containing munitions are at the opposite end of the train, away from the derailment, the railroad told the Elko County Sheriff's Office.
Interstate 80, which was closed between Wells and Moor, was reopened to traffic at 12:08 Wednesday afternoon, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
