CHAPPELL - A Union Pacific train that derailed near the Frenchman Valley Co-Op grain elevators in Chappell forced the evacuation of a few residents on the west end of the Deuel County community for a brief time Sunday afternoon.

The train derailment also closed Highway 30 from Lodgepole to Highway 27 for approximately two hours. Traffic was rerouted to Interstate 80 during the road closure. 

The view from the northeast shows the derailed train cars and several train cars to the west.
The view from the northeast shows the derailed train cars and several train cars to the west. Justin Julius photo

Region 21 Emergency Manager updated the Cheyenne County Commissioners on storm activity, and the derailment in Chappell, Monday morning.

"The last car that was upright had hazardous materials in it," Leal said. "So, it was that close. [We were] very lucky."

Leal says many of the train cars were double-stacked with truck trailers.

"There was no impact on the community except for inconvenience for a few hours," Leal said.

Corporate Communications for Union Pacific Railroad Meg Siffring said an estimated 35 train cars left the tracks at approximately 3 p.m.

The aerial view shows derailed train cars nearly sandwiched between the structures at the west end of the Frenchman Valley Coop .
The aerial view shows derailed train cars nearly sandwiched between the structures at the west end of the Frenchman Valley Coop . Justin Julius photo

"There were no injuries, Siffring said," Clean up is underway, and the cause of the derailment is under investigation." 

Nebraska State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas says the evacuation may have just been a precaution, but it was unknown what contents were being carried by the train. 

The Chappell Volunteer Fire Department, Deuel County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol responded to the scene. Mutual aid was called to the Lodgepole Volunteer Fire Department. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was also at the scene.