Train Derailment Sparks Grass Fire in the Big Country

EASTLAND, TX – A train derailment caused a grassfire that closed a section of Highway 112 on Saturday afternoon in Eastland County.

According to multiple reports, on Aug. 5, 2023, at around 4:30 p.m., Eastland County Firefighters were dispatched to a train derailment near the area of Highway 112 and Seaman Street.

The train might have derailed because of heat related damage to the tracks. 

As crews arrived, they noticed a grass fire had started at the location. Crews were able to safely get the fire put out. There were no structures that were harmed, and no injuries were reported due to the fire. Two firefighters were checked out on the scene, but those were due to heat-related issues.

Union Pacific has taken over the scene to clean up the mess made by the derailment. The area was shut down for a short period of time but is now back open.