Train Derailment Causes Fire And Partial Bridge Collapse Near Tempe

A train fire and derailment caused a partial collapse of a railroad bridge over Tempe Town Lake. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. Wednesday on the south side of the lake near Mill Avenue.

A spokesperson with Tempe Fire Department says the incident involves a Union Pacific train. Flames could be seen running across the length of the bridge and in an area of Tempe Beach Park.

About 90 firefighters from multiple departments were called to the scene of the second-alarm hazardous materials response. Officials say firefighters have been facing difficulties fighting the blaze because of heat, possible unknown hazardous materials, the collapsed bridge and placement on both sides of the lake.

Officials are still working to determine what was in each of the train cars and whether there could be further hazards. The collapse occurred primarily over land, and no train cars are in the water, officials say