20 Train Cars Derail in Southwest Houston
Highway 90 Closed in Both Directions
Updated: Monday, 23 Nov 2009, 12:45 PM CST
Published : Monday, 23 Nov 2009, 11:45 AM CST
HOUSTON - About 20 train cars derailed Monday morning in an accident that dumped coal onto a southwest Houston highway, closing it to traffic in both directions.
The accident happened around 11 a.m. on South Main Street/Highway 90A at Hiram Clarke Road, just east of Stafford.
Aerial images captured more than a dozen train cars on their sides in a grassy area along the highway.
A shelter-in-place was ordered for residents in the immediate area, and the highway was closed in both directions as officials verify the contents of the train cars. Most of the cargo is coal, but officials also spotted a white powder they say does not appear to be harmful.
Drivers will want to avoid the area, which is a main route for those traveling to Monday night's Texans game. Consider using Highway 59 and the 610 Loop as an alternate route.
Highway 90 will be closed to all southbound traffic at the accident site for the rest of the day. Northbound lanes will reopen sometime Monday afternoon.
