HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A significant cleanup effort is ongoing in east Harris County after a train derailment in the Highlands area. The incident occurred near the intersection of Thompson and Battle Bell on Friday, involving two trains.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says it appears one train rear-ended another train, causing seven box cars to derail.
Three of the derailed cars carried plastic pellets, which spilled from their containers. Other cars contained liquid propane gas, while some were empty.
@HCSOTexas units are on-scene at Battlebell/Thompson in East Harris County.
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 7, 2024
Preliminary: crash involving two trains. Appears that one train rear-ended another, causing seven box cars to derail. No reported injuries and no hazmat issues. pic.twitter.com/xusblySDw9
There are no reported injuries and no hazmat issues. As a precaution, local officials shut down the water supply in the area after two rail cars ended up in a nearby canal connecting the Trinity River to the San Jacinto River.
Union Pacific Railroad’s hazmat team has confirmed there were no leaks, ensuring there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community. However, crews continue to monitor the site as cleanup progresses.
The cars were transporting plastic pellets. The south side of the tracks will be shut down at Dawkins/Thompson and at Spivey/Battlebell. You 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. https://t.co/hNPWW8xvVz
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 7, 2024
The sheriff’s office says the south side of the tracks will be shut down at Dawkins Street and Thompson Road and at Spivey and Battlebell. On the north side of the tracks, it will be shut down at Thompson/E. Wallisville.
Gonzale says the clean-up efforts should wrap up around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Saturday.