Update: Fire is out, fire was centered on bridge and tank car

By Harlan Kirgan on Thursday, October 10, 2024
  • Eunice area first-responders battled a train car fire at about 2 p.m. This is an aerial photo provided by St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard.
    Eunice area first-responders battled a train car fire at about 2 p.m. This is an aerial photo provided by St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard.
  • The scene looking north from Acadian Medical Center.
    The scene looking north from Acadian Medical Center.
  • Looking north on St. Mary Street.
    Looking north on St. Mary Street.
  • Smoke billows from the site of the fire. The photo is from the Acadian Medical Center ground looking north.
    Smoke billows from the site of the fire. The photo is from the Acadian Medical Center ground looking north.
  • Traffic was stopped on U.S. 190 westbound to allow hospital employees to leave Acadian Medical Center.
    Traffic was stopped on U.S. 190 westbound to allow hospital employees to leave Acadian Medical Center.
  • A closeup view of the fire scene.
    A closeup view of the fire scene.
  • The buckled train tracks can be seen in this photo from St. St. Landry Parish Government.
    The buckled train tracks can be seen in this photo from St. St. Landry Parish Government.
  • The buckled train tracks can be seen in this photo from St. St. Landry Parish Government.
    The buckled train tracks can be seen in this photo from St. St. Landry Parish Government.
  • Aerial view. (St. Landry Parish Government photo)
    Aerial view. (St. Landry Parish Government photo)
  • Scorched train cars. (St. Landry Parish Government photo)
    Scorched train cars. (St. Landry Parish Government photo)

    The following is from St. Landry Parish Government
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    10/10/24
    Eunice, LA – At approximately 2:30 PM today, a train fire was reported near the North St. Mary railroad crossing in Eunice.
    Emergency responders were alerted to two train cars on fire, with the flames spreading to the railroad bridge underneath the cars. Crews were able to quickly respond, safely removing the empty train cars from the track and extinguishing the fire.
    The bridge, which was significantly impacted by the fire, is currently being assessed for structural damage. Firefighters remain on the scene to fully control the situation.
    At last check, Acadian Medical Center is back to full operation.

    From the City of Eunice
    Update:
    3:38 PM
    10/10/24
    Tank Car Fire Contained, No Derailment or Hazardous Material Involved
    A tank car caught fire on tracks near N St. Mary, leading to a rapid response from local emergency services. Union Pacific has confirmed that no derailment occurred.
    The fire began under circumstances still under investigation, prompting a coordinated effort from St. Landry Parish Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) teams, DEQ, local fire departments, Eunice City Marshals, St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, Eunice Police Department, and St. Landry Parish Government. The response was led by Fire Chief Chaise Brown, with Eunice Police Department Chief Kyle LeBouef, and other local leaders actively managing the situation.
    The area is being closely monitored, and there is no danger to the public at this time. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, and authorities are on-site conducting safety assessments.
    The public is urged to avoid the area while emergency personnel continue their work to ensure the safety of the community. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

    Eunice area first-responders battled a train car fire at about 2 p.m. Thursday east of North St. Mary Street. An evacuation was called around the site. It was unclear what was on fire, but thick black smoke was coming from the scene. An aerial view was provided by St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard showing a fire near a rail car. First-responders were staged at the VFW parking lot on east U.S 190. Hospital employees were seen leaving Acadian Medical Center. One of the employees said non-essential employees were asked to leave the facility. North St. Mary was blocked off to traffic.

    Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot posted this on Facebook.
    Attention residents:
    10/10/24 3:18pm UPDATE:
    Shelter in Place mandate has been lifted. Residents should still AVOID the tracks and immediate location.
    Original 10/10/24 2:55pm:
    There has been an issue involving a train on the east side of town. If you or a loved one lives within a half-mile radius of the Harris Subdivision, (North St. Mary) a mandatory SHELTER IN PLACE is being enforced immediately for your safety.
    Please follow procedures as directed by local authorities. We are working to resolve the situation and will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
    Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time.