Union Pacific Train Derails Near Mecca, Massive Cargo Cleanup Follows

MECCA, CA — Over a dozen train cars carrying shipping containers loaded with non-hazardous products were derailed in Mecca on Wednesday, with no injuries or evacuations reported.

Shortly after 5 p.m., the Union Pacific train derailed in the area of Parkside Drive and Highway 111, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department and a Union Pacific spokesperson.

The agency stated that a fire department hazmat unit, the county Department of Environmental Health, Union Pacific personnel, and law enforcement were called in and remained on site during cleanup.

A Union Pacific communications manager Jill Micek told Patch on Thursday that roughly 40 rail cars from a Union Pacific train derailed near Parkside Drive and State Park Road, and that hazardous materials were not involved.

"These are intermodal containers with mixed freight," Union Pacific said. "Cleanup was being conducted by Union Pacific. The cause of the derailment was not immediately known."

Highway 111 at Parkside Drive remained closed as of Thursday at 11 a.m. California Highway Patrol urges motorists to us SR-86 as an alternate route.