TL/DR –
A train derailment near the state line of New Mexico and Arizona led to the closure of all lanes of Interstate 40 west of Gallup, along with several other road closures. The train was carrying non-odor propane and gasoline, leading to evacuations for residences within two miles of the half-mile marker of Interstate 40 in New Mexico and a hazardous materials situation. The interstate will remain closed until the fire from the derailment is extinguished, the cause of the incident is under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
New Mexico Train Derailment Shuts Down Interstate 40
New Mexico State Police have closed all lanes of Interstate 40 west of Gallup due to a train derailment near the New Mexico-Arizona state line. The train, carrying non-odor propane and gasoline, resulted in evacuations for residences within two miles of the I-40 half-mile marker, with a shelter-in-place set up at Lupton Chapter House.
Westbound traffic has been shut down by state police at mile marker 16 and Arizona DPS closed eastbound traffic at mile marker 333. Several road closures were also caused by the derailment and subsequent fire, including State Road 118 north of the interstate, Route 12 and County Road 1 in Tseyatoh. Interstate 40 exit 333 remains open for detours on State Road 191 in both directions, with Lupton Road closed to traffic on the south side.
McKinley County officials have stated that the interstate will remain closed indefinitely until the fire is extinguished and safety concerns are addressed. Hazmat teams are currently on-site, with Apache County Sheriff’s Office treating the situation as a hazardous materials case. Firefighters are not actively attempting to extinguish the fire in a bid to safely mitigate existing conditions.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg released a statement [posted on X, formerly known as Twitter](https://twitter.com/SecretaryPete/status/1784034951408603538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) regarding the derailment response. BNSF officials have indicated that the cause of the derailment is under investigation and report no injuries.
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