About 10:30 pm last Friday night multiple rail cars went off the track in Keatchie.  Hazardous materials spilled.  Evacuations were ordered within a mile, later expanded to a mile and a half.

Law enforcement went door to door telling residents to get out of the area.  Numerous updates were published by the sheriff’s department to inform residents of the situation

Saturday night an update was issued providing more information.  Here is that update:

“It is important to note that all leaks from the two train cars in question have been stopped. The primary area of impact has been: How much was spilled, what impact it could have on the public/environment and cleaning up the spill. Air quality has been monitored throughout last night and day today. Levels detected earlier in the day were low in comparison to what is considered “action level” or in laymen’s terms deemed a serious concern. As of 6PM there remains no detection or concerns outside of the main impact area.”

Highway 5 and other roads had been closed shortly after evacuation orders were issued.  The reopening was posted January 29, 2023 at 11:00:58 AM CST

“As of 11am today (Jan 29) all of La Hwy 5 will return to normal traffic, including the section between Keatchie and Kickapoo. The evacuation has been lifted except for Depot Rd.  There are no other road closures to report.”

Seeking the cause of the derailment and site cleanup continue.