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UPDATE: Train derails in Elko County

I-80 closed in both directions near derailment
Posted at 11:59 AM, Jun 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-20 07:01:40-04

UPDATE 4 A.M. JUNE 20: The Union Pacific Railroad is now saying that it was not vegetable oil that was spilled, it was diesel.

UPDATE 12:08 P.M. Union Pacific Railroad is now reporting that 22 cars were involved in the derailment and that a shipment of vegetable oil spilled out of one of the cars. There was also a "puff of smoke" at the time of the crash that contained aluminum dioxide. UPR says that it was a small amount and not hazardous. Interstate 80 has reopened.

ORIGINAL STORY
A train carrying munitions has derailed in Elko County.

According to the Elko County Sheriff's Office, the derailment happened around 11:17 a.m. Wednesday.

Interstate 80 has been closed down in both directions near the spill.

The sheriff's office says that the derailment resulted in a hazardous material spill.

19 railroad cards were involved in the derailment and containment efforts are underway. It is being reported that the powder released from the derailed train cars is aluminum oxide.

RELATED: Properties & uses of aluminum oxide


Elko County is located several hours northeast of Las Vegas.