RICHMOND – The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a major train derailment in Fort Bend County that has caused traffic disruptions and prompted a large emergency response near the Richmond and Rosenberg city limits.
Officials say more than 20 rail cars came off the tracks, leading to blocked crossings, road closures, and concerns about possible hazardous material leaks.
The derailment happened near the Richmond–Rosenberg area, where cleanup efforts could take several days.
Fort Bend County Emergency Management officials said the NTSB is now involved and will work to determine what caused the derailment and what materials may have been affected.
Authorities say their top priority is securing rail cars that were damaged and leaking.
Response crews have identified five rail cars leaking ethanol.
Two of those cars have been contained, while mitigation work continues on the remaining three.
Officials also reported that one railcar carrying corn syrup is leaking, but they say the material is not hazardous and does not pose a risk to the public.
Despite the leaks, officials said no evacuation orders have been issued.
Traffic has been heavily impacted across the area. Drivers are being rerouted through the emergency underpass at 2nd Street, and access at Rawson Road in Rosenberg has reopened. Collins Road remains closed as crews continue to work at the scene.
Video from the area also showed a train stopped near Highway 90 and Harlem Road. Officials confirmed that portion of the train did not derail and was separated and moved further down the track to help improve traffic flow.
State and federal leaders are now monitoring the situation.
Congressman Troy Nehls said he has been in contact with local officials and is calling for stronger rail safety measures.
Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area while the investigation and cleanup continue.