I-40 closed, residents evacuated after train derails, catches fire near AZ-NM state line

A train carrying cars of propane and gasoline derailed and caught fire on Friday morning, prompting evacuations of nearby residents and a continued shutdown of eastbound Interstate 40 near the Arizona-New Mexico state line.

A BNSF train derailed about 11:45 a.m. on the New Mexico side of the Arizona-New Mexico state line, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Of the roughly 10 train cars involved, two were transporting liquid petroleum and caught fire. The train’s crew members were not injured, according to BNSF.

New Mexico State Police reported the train was transporting hazardous materials, specifically propane and gasoline. Immediate evacuations were ordered for those within a two-mile radius of the derailment.

The Navajo Nation Council posted on its Facebook page on Friday night that evacuation orders were issued for residences within 2 miles of the half-mile marker of Interstate 40 within New Mexico. A shelter in place has been set up at the Lupton Chapter House for families in the area.

Because of how close the derailment was to the Navajo reservation, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren stated that his administration was collaborating with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF to conduct thorough assessments of the derailment and its impact. These experts will complement the resources from the Navajo Department of Health, the Navajo Police Department, and other tribal resources already on the ground to secure the affected area, he said.

“I spoke with United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and he has committed to addressing the issue," Nygren said. "At this time, we urge everyone to stay clear of the affected area to allow emergency and hazmat teams to manage the situation efficiently."

Nygren stated that local emergency crews believe there was a low risk of immediate danger to the public.

"However, we are taking all necessary precautions, including the evacuation of several homes in connection with directives from the U.S. Department of Transportation and their two-mile radius emergency evacuation order issued a short time ago," he said in the post.

Fire officials closed the area around the derailment to the public because of the cars’ “volatility,” and hazmat crews also were at the scene, the Arizona Corporation Commission posted on X.

The Apache County Sheriff’s Office announced at 1:30 p.m. that due to the derailment, I-40 and north and south frontage roads were shut down at the Arizona-New Mexico state line.

The eastbound lanes of the highway were closed at milepost 357 near Lupton and milepost 333 near Chambers, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

Traffic was redirected north toward Navajo Route 12 and U.S. Route 191. Drivers in the area should expect delays and seek alternative routes, according to ADOT.

There was no estimated time to reopen the eastbound lanes. The westbound lanes are unaffected in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

James Lamm, general manager of the Good 2 Go truck stop situated off exit 359 of I-40, the highway's final exit in Arizona before the New Mexico state line, said the derailment affected his business on Friday. He also provided a photo and video of the incident, showing orange flames and a dense plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles.

“Updates on the situation will be provided as they become available. We thank the emergency services, first responders, and all agencies involved for their swift action and dedication," Nygren said.

"For those in the affected area, please adhere to all safety instructions and evacuation orders. Your cooperation and patience during this critical time are greatly appreciated.”

Republic Indigenous affairs reporter Arlyssa D. Becenti contributed to this article.

Madeline Nguyen is a breaking news reporter for The Republic. Reach her at Madeline.Nguyen@gannett.com or 480-619-0285. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @madelineynguyen.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: I-40 closed after BNSF train derails near Arizona-New Mexico line