Photo: Elko County Sheriff's Office
ELKO, Nevada — A train derailment and associated hazmat situation east of Wells briefly closed I-80 in both directions, spilling vegetable oil.
The Elko County Sheriff’s Office said rail cars containing munitions were on the train; however, they were on the opposite end of the train, away from the derailment. Those military munitions were not breached, the sheriff’s office said.
According to the sheriff’s office, 22 cars in total were involved in the derailment. Witnesses shared video of a powdery substance, likely the aluminum oxide, billowing in the wind.
The freeway was closed for about six miles between Wells and Moor, Nevada.
Initial reports that hazardous material was involved in the spill and derailment turned out not to be true. Union Pacific officials said no hazardous materials were involved and no one was hurt.