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Wind blows train cars off bridge near New Orleans

No injuries were reported when the Union Pacific train cars fell from the Huey P. Long Bridge in Elmwood.

By Ben Hooper
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ELMWOOD, La., April 27 (UPI) -- A video camera was rolling near New Orleans on Monday when strong winds blew several shipping containers and train cars off an elevated bridge.

Nancy Stoltz of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad said the Union Pacific train was traveling about 4 mph across the Huey P. Long Bridge behind the Raising Cane's restaurant in Elmwood when strong winds knocked several of the train's cars and shipping containers off the bridge around 10:30 a.m.

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The fall was recorded by a WGNO-TV news camera.

Stoltz said structural engineers were summoned to the scene to assess damage to the tracks and the stability of the remaining train cars.

No injuries were reported.

Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Chris Roberts shared Facebook photos of the fallen containers and train cars.

Confirmed carts to a train have blown off the Huey P Long Bridge

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Posted by Chris Roberts on Monday, April 27, 2015

The New Orleans Public Belt issued a statement after the incident Monday.

"Due to the severe weather this morning four Union Pacific Railroad railcars derailed and dropped off the eastbank approach to the Huey P. Long Bridge. The railcars were empty and did not contain any hazardous materials.

No leaks and no injuries are reported at this time. Jefferson Parish Police, Fire and other responders are on scene to secure the area."

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