A track failure caused five railcars to derail near the intersection of Dalrock and Chiesa roads in Rowlett on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an extended road closure that stretched into the evening hours.
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. and was attributed to a failure in the railroad track itself according to Malcolm Hornsby with the city of Rowlett. No injuries were reported as a result of the derailment.
By mid-afternoon an engineer had been dispatched to the site to evaluate the situation and determine the safest and most effective method for removing the displaced railcars. Crews from the Dallas Garland and Northeastern Railroad were on scene and actively working to clear the derailment by 4 p.m.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of Dalrock Road were shut down between Chiesa Road and Sunrise Drive following the incident. Authorities indicated the road was not expected to reopen until at least 10 p.m. and drivers in the area were advised to seek alternate routes.
The Dallas Garland and Northeastern Railroad operates freight rail service throughout the northeastern Dallas area and recovery operations of this nature can be time-consuming depending on the position and condition of the derailed equipment. Crews worked to stabilize and remove each railcar from the affected section of track.
Rowlett officials continued to monitor the situation and provide updates as recovery efforts progressed throughout the afternoon and evening.