Train Cleared After Derailment In Moore

The derailed train in Moore has been cleared and repairs have been made to the track on Saturday after officials said it could take days to clean up the 22 derailed cars.

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The City of Moore said the trains are expected to run Saturday afternoon or evening, but Southwest 34th Street remains closed at the rail crossing. It's expected to reopen next weekend on Aug. 27, the city says.

The derailment happened Friday at the railroad crossing SW 34th St. That section of the road, between Southeast Connection and Eastern Avenue, was expected to remain closed for several days, according to the city.

BNSF Railway, which operates the train, said cars carrying plastic pellets derailed just before 5 p.m. BNSF said the cause was under investigation.

In the meantime, the company said crews were working as quickly and safely as possible to reopen the intersection.

Rep. Tom Cole Reacts To Train Derailment

“I am thankful for the quick and swift response of first responders in Moore in response to the train derailment and that there have been no injuries, loss of life or hazardous threat to the community,” said Cole. “I have been in touch with local authorities and will continue to keep an eye on conditions for any changes.” 

Despite the derailment happening close to a neighborhood, first responders said no one was hurt and no evacuation was needed.

“Right now, the only thing we have on the ground is dry bulk plastic, so there’s no danger to the community and we will get that picked up once the railroad gets here," said Moore Fire Chief Greg Herbster. He added that this was the first derailment in Moore in about 50 years.

The derailment happened just outside the backyard of the Urban family.

“(The kids) were watching TV and mommy was taking a nap, and then the house started shaking," recalled Lacy Urban.

“It was alarming, of course," added Lacy's husband, Luke Urban. “The cloud of dust from the derailment went way back to there.”

The noise was so loud that it reached neighbors many houses away.

“I was in the house. Actually, I was reading the Bible and I heard something," said Ron Tyler, adding that no one was hurt because "God had his hand in it.”

As for the Urban family, they never expected to be so close to such an accident.

“It was different than anything we’ve ever experienced," said Luke Urban.

“A little bit too close for comfort," Lacy Urban added.

But their children were unfazed.

“I was just brave," said Leon Urban, Luke and Lacy's son. “I thought it was just like an earthquake."