LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has confirmed to 8 News Now that the phrase used by Union Pacific, “uncontrolled train movement,” does mean it was a runaway train without a crew onboard.
The FRA said, “In this instance, “uncontrolled train movement” can be interpreted as referring to a runaway train.”
Also new on Tuesday, Union Pacific said crews have repaired the tracks and will be reopening the line where the freight train derailed Monday morning near Barstow, Calif.
The company told 8 News Now on Monday that the crew was not injured and not in the cab at the time of the derailment.
HazMat teams are addressing what officials call a “minor fuel leak from one locomotive.” “The derailed railcars were loaded with iron ore, which spilled,” said a Union Pacific representative. “Iron ore is part of the steel-making process and is not a hazardous material.”
In a statement from Union Pacific, shortly after noon on Tuesday, the company said it will reopen the tracks Tuesday afternoon. “It will take time to remove all of the cars from the site and complete remediation,” Union Pacific said. “We continue to work closely with local, state and federal officials to investigate the cause.” As confirmed yesterday, there were no injuries, and the train was carrying iron ore, which is not a hazardous material.”
At this time the company did not release any other information about the derailment. 8 News Now did confirm the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is not investigating the incident. However, the FRA is investigating.
