Train derails east of Choudrant
Leader photo by Nancy Bergeron A Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad freight train derailed Wednesday afternoon east of Choudrant, causing a 24-car pileup and damage to the track. No injuries were reported by emergency responders.
Twenty-four cars of a Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad freight train derailed just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near Pleasant Grove Road east of Choudrant.
There were no injuries and no evacuations. The train was not carrying hazardous material, according to law enforcement officers on the scene.
The train appeared to have come apart in three pieces: the pileup, which was east of the Pleasant Grove crossing, another section that remained most upright immediately west of the intersection and a third section that was the engine and more cars.
The train was headed west.
Cause of the derailment was unknown as of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Crews from CPKCR were on scene making plans to clear debris and repair the damaged track. CPKCR spokesmen were unavailable for immediate comment.
Pleasant Grove Road and Crocker Road have been reopened.
Numerous agencies responded to the derailment, including the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District, Choudrant Fire Department, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ouachita Parish Fire, and Lincoln Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
