Train derailment in Avoyelles Parish closes La. 1, evacuations under way

MOREAUVILLE, La. (KLFY) — A train has derailed in Avoyelles Parish, causing a major highway to be shut down, authorities said.

According to State Police, troopers and Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are on the scene of a train derailment on La. 1 in Moreauville.

As a result, La. 1 is closed to vehicular traffic. The detour route is La. 114 to La. 451, officials said. Motorists are advised to expect delays when traveling in that area.

According to APSO, first responders are actively working the scene, and some areas are being evacuated for public safety. Louisiana State Police Haz-Mat is en route.

CPKC, the railroad company, said in a release that multiple cars left the tracks at around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. Crews, including senior officers from the company’s operations and hazardous materials teams, are responding to the scene and coordinating with local emergency response officials already on scene.

“Preliminary assessment is that four locomotives and approximately 30 rail cars are involved,” the release read. “There are no reports of injuries and there is no fire. There are hazardous materials cars involved in the derailment. Three cars loaded with propylene, a flammable gas, and two with ethylene glycol, a flammable liquid. Two empty cars that last contained hazardous materials are also involved.”

Evacuations are in progress for certain schools, homes and businesses, authorities said. Please follow official updates from those respective agencies for the latest guidance. The Moreauville Community Center has been designated as a shelter for displaced residents, officials said.

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