The Union Pacific derailment in Richmond, Texas is outlined in a preliminary report. The National Transportation Safety Board released it on April 7, 2026. The agency said the March 18, 2026, incident breached seven tank cars. It also released about 120,000 gallons of ethanol.

Union Pacific derailment report cites 120,000-gallon ethanol release
Photo: Union Pacific via National Transportation Safety Board

Union Pacific derailment in Richmond, Texas

The train was headed from Houston to Eagle Pass, Texas. It had four locomotives. One was a mid-train distributed power unit. The consist also included 97 loaded railcars and 50 empty cars. As reported by Trains, the preliminary report said the train was 10,295 feet long. It weighed 14,470 tons. At the time, it was moving at about 35 mph. The speed limit in the area was 60 mph. The train experienced an undesired emergency brake application.

Don’t miss…South Shore Line Monon Corridor starts passenger service

Derailed cars, tank car breaches, and damage

The derailment occurred at about 4:50 a.m. It involved cars from the third through the 26th position in the consist. Among the breached ethanol tank cars were two DOT-117J cars and five DOT-117R cars.

Union Pacific estimated damage from the incident at about $3.6 million. The preliminary report said all aspects of the derailment remain under investigation.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Rail supplier news covers Railserve, Clever Devices and LIRR

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit