Freight trains collide, derail in Kansas

GALVA, Kan. – Two Union Pacific freight trains collided in central Kansas but no injuries or major hazardous waste spills were reported.

The collision occurred early Thursday in McPherson County between Galva and Canton.

Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis says an eastbound train hit the back of a westbound train that was moving onto a side track to let the other train pass. The trains were flat cars carrying ocean-going containers packed mostly with consumer goods.

A train traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago had two locomotives and five rail cars derail, while 15 cars and a locomotive on a train from Chicago to Los Angeles derailed.

Davis said it wasn’t clear how much track was damaged or when the line will be reopened. About 20 trains use the line every day.

This story was originally published September 25, 2014 at 11:01 AM with the headline "Freight trains collide, derail in Kansas."