Login

Train tanker carrying hydrochloric acid derails in west Gallup

Print

Hazmat crews cleanup the smelly mess

On June 2, Gallup Police Department received a call about a lone derailed tanker leaking hydrochloric acid, east of Virgie’s Restaurant on Highway 66.

Gallup Police Lt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo said the call came in at about 4:48 pm, and a hazmat crew from Belen was tasked with cleaning up the area.

Roads in the immediate area were closed, and eastbound trains were backed up for miles.

Westerly winds were favorable in helping to dissipate the noxious fumes. BNSF officials took over the scene after police secured the area. Toadlena-Pablo said she hasn’t received any updates from BNSF officials on what caused one tanker to derail from the tracks, or where the rest of the train was at for that matter.