Nov. 27, 2007 — A train carrying some hazardous material derailed near the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong at about 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21. According to Union Pacific spokesperson James Barns, the train was heading from Marion, Ark. to Oakland, Calif. along Union Pacific rail lines near SIAD. The train derailed near the southeastern portion of the base.

Barns said none of the cargo on board was going to SIAD.

Barns said as a precaution, about 850 government employees working at SIAD were evacuated to the opposite side of the base. The precaution was carried out because some of the cars were in fact carrying hazardous materials.

SIAD Public Affairs Officer Lori McDonald said the employees were given the all-clear to return to work at about 7:40 a.m.

Barns said the train was carrying about 83 cars when it derailed. He said the derailment occurred at the back of the train, derailing approximately 17 cars.

“These are articulated cars involving some stacked containers,” Barns said. “So it is kind of hard to give an exact count.”

Barns and McDonald both confirmed no one was injured, and none of the containers holding hazardous materials ruptured.

Barns said Union Pacific contractors were dispatched to the wreck quickly, not only to assist with the cleanup effort but to help begin with the investigation. Barns said that so far, it is still unclear how the roughly 17 cars derailed in the first place. He also said Union Pacific will be leading the investigation.