Train derailment in East Austin causes CapMetro and traffic disruptions

Work is underway to clear roads after seven train cars turned over early Tuesday morning in East Austin. CapMetro and the subcontractor that runs the rail system, Herzog, are on the scene.

The freight train derailment happened near East Sixth Street and Robert T. Martinez Jr. Street. Officials say they expect the area to be cleared around 5 p.m. Until then, roads around the incident will remain closed.

CapMetro’s rail service will be temporarily disrupted for the day. But CapMetro said staff are available at rail stations to help guide commuters to buses operating along the rail route.

The Austin Fire Department said no one was injured and no hazardous materials are involved. Two of the derailed cars were carrying gravel and the other five were empty. The 90-car train was running on the north to south part of the train tracks.

Officials said one of the derailed train cars hit a utility pole. Austin Energy’s power outage map showed about 350 customers in that area were without power, but that number has gone down throughout the morning.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.