Train derailment in Hope blocks city streets

A train car derailment blocks traffic in Hope, Arkansas, on Friday, June 2, 2023. No one was injured and no hazardous materials were involved in the incident. Two cars derailed about noon Friday. (Submitted photo by Aaron George)
A train car derailment blocks traffic in Hope, Arkansas, on Friday, June 2, 2023. No one was injured and no hazardous materials were involved in the incident. Two cars derailed about noon Friday. (Submitted photo by Aaron George)

HOPE, Arkansas -- A train derailment blocked several city streets Friday.

The derailment happened about noon Friday near Division and Elm Streets and involved two train cars.

Several east-west roadways, including Division Street, Second Street, Third Street and Sixth Street, were blocked, according to the Hope Police Department. The intersection with U.S. Highway 67 was also blocked. No one was injured and nothing was spilled.

"The main problem is traffic congestion," said Hope Police Spokesman Eric Green. "It's all intersections on the south side of the main track except one," he said.

The derailment happened as the train was leaving the main track for a spur. The last couple of cars derailed. The train was carrying grain, so hazardous materials were not a concern even if it had spilled, Green said.

Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police and Arkansas Department of Transportation were assisting Hope Police with rerouting traffic.

Delays were expected for several hours.

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