2 trains collide in East Harris County, estimated 12 box cars derailed

HIGHLANDS, Texas - Two trains collided on Friday evening, causing multiple rail cars to derail in east Harris County, officials say.

A Union Pacific Spokesperson told FOX 26, an estimated 12 Union Pacific train cars derailed in the collision approximately four miles north of Baytown at Thompson Road and Battlebell Road.

Union Pacific stated an initial investigation indicated a Union Pacific train rear ended another train outside a rail yard.

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Photo credit: ReAnn Garza

According to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, three cars were carrying plastic pellets, which spilled out of their containers.

Officials say some of the rail cars also contained liquid propane gas and some were empty.

The fire marshal’s office says two rail cars ended up in a canal that connects the Trinity River to the San Jacinto River, so the city shut down the water supply pump as a precaution. However, the fire marshal’s office say the investigation didn’t find any leaks from the containers, ensuring no impact to the community.

Houston Public Works says the pumps were turned back on after a few hours.

Photo credit: ReAnn Garza

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Houston EOM also assured the public that the incident doesn’t pose a threat to the city’s drinking water supply.

No injuries have been reported, and there are no HAZMAT issues at this time.

Traffic in the area was affected due to the derailment. Officials said the south side of the tracks would be shut down at Dawkins/Thompson and at Spivey/Battlebell. Drivers can go west on Battlebell to get to FM-2100. On the north side of the tracks, it will be shut down at Thompson/E. Wallisville.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said clean up should wrap up around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. Saturday.