A hazmat train derailment restricted traffic along a busy West Valley highway, causing headaches for drivers Tuesday afternoon.
El Mirage Police spokesperson Ian Takashige said it happened at the BNSF Railyard near Grand Avenue and Thompson Ranch Road around 2:30 p.m. Authorities said officers arrived to find multiple railcars had derailed and were blocking Thompson Ranch Road.
Because one of those railcars contained hazardous materials, all westbound lanes of Grand Avenue were blocked so that crews could clean up and investigate. Drivers were asked to avoid the area while crews looked into the damage made to the tracks and rail cars. Traffic reopened along Grand Avenue around 5 p.m., ADOT said.
