RICHMOND – Federal investigators have released new details about what happened moments before a train derailed in Fort Bend County last month, causing major traffic disruptions and prompting a hazmat response.
According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a Union Pacific mixed-freight train was traveling about 35 mph on March 18 when it experienced an “undesired emergency braking application,” meaning the crew did not initiate the emergency brakes.
The report states the train’s positive train control system and energy management system were both engaged at the time of the derailment.
More than two dozen cars went off the tracks near Richmond, about 30 miles southwest of Houston, leading to ethanol leaks from some railcars.
Officials said at the time the leaks were contained and did not pose a threat to the public, and no injuries were reported.
The derailment caused widespread traffic issues, with multiple railroad crossings blocked for hours as crews worked to clear the scene.
The NTSB emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and a probable cause has not yet been determined.
Preliminary reports typically outline factual findings gathered early in an investigation but do not include final conclusions.