AVON, Iowa — Early Wednesday, a Union Pacific Railroad freight train left the tracks just after 10 a.m. near the Highway 65 bridge that runs between Des Moines and Carlisle. The incident involved several coal cars that tipped over onto the surrounding right‑of‑way.
Immediate response and safety measures
Local emergency responders, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, arrived quickly on the scene. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told KCCI that there were no concerns about hazardous materials spilling from the derailed cars. The railroad confirmed that the train was carrying only coal, which poses no immediate environmental threat.
Because the derailment occurred close to the highway bridge, officials inspected the structure for any damage. The bridge was deemed safe, and no road closures were necessary. Traffic on Highway 65 continued to flow without interruption, allowing commuters to travel between Des Moines and Carlisle as usual.
Cleanup operations
Union Pacific crews, assisted by local contractors, began cleanup operations within an hour of the derailment. Drone footage captured by KCCI shows workers using heavy equipment to lift the overturned coal cars and clear debris from the tracks. The railroad’s public‑relations team emphasized that the cleanup would be completed as swiftly as possible to restore normal rail service.
Union Pacific has a long history of operating safely in Iowa, and the company’s spokesperson reiterated the firm’s commitment to maintaining the safety of its employees, the public, and the environment. The railroad also noted that it will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.
No injuries reported
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among the crew members, first responders, or nearby residents. The sheriff’s office confirmed that there were no emergency medical calls related to the incident.
Residents in the Avon area were advised to stay clear of the derailment site while cleanup crews worked. The sheriff’s office will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if any new information becomes available.
What’s next?
Union Pacific expects to resume normal train operations on the line later today, once the tracks have been fully inspected and cleared. The company will also release a detailed report on the cause of the derailment after the investigation is complete.
Authorities encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or has concerns about the cleanup to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
