27-Car Train Derails — Closes Oregon Highway

Some of the cars were carrying hazardous materials, but no risk to the public has been reported.

The Oregon Department of Transportation and local safety officials now say no hazardous materials leaked.

The derailment occurred on a stretch of track alongside Highway 203 East of LaGrande.  An eight-mile stretch of road was closed shortly after 1:43 a.m. when the accident occurred. No injuries were reported. Officials did not say why the train derailed.

As a precaution, several area residents were evacuated until crews had a chance to examine the two cars carrying hazardous materials.