VALLEY MILLS, Texas, March 22 (UPI) -- A dozen train cars, including five carrying methanol, derailed on Saturday near Valley Mills, Texas, sparking an evacuation and a hazardous materials team response.
No injuries or fires were reported and only one or two of the methanol-carrying tanks had leaks, according to Public Safety spokesman Trooper D.L. Wilson. Seven train cars were carrying oil well pipes.
About 10 homes within a thousand feet were evacuated after the accident that happened at about 5 p.m. Residents were allowed to return home at 9 p.m.
There was heavy rain during that time, but it is unclear what caused the derailment and an investigation is ongoing, according to Wilson. Safety vehicles struggled to reach the 70-car train accident due to the weather.
Methanol is toxic and often used as fuel or as a solvent.
