Train derailment cuts off streets in Bootheel town

LILBOURN, Mo. -- A train derailment early Tuesday morning split the city of Lilbourn in half.

A Union Pacific train hauling coal to the Associated Electric power plant near Marston, Mo., derailed about 5:08 a.m., and the Lilbourn Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 5:13 a.m.

The cause of the derailment wasn't initially known.

The train was carrying 119 loaded coal cars with three train engine cars -- two in front and one in the rear -- and was traveling 19 mph, according to a train engineer. There were 16 flipped cars and three were standing, but off the track.

The derailed train closed many of the town's crossings.

Lilbourn police chief Dennis Young said on Tuesday morning there were no injuries.

Including Tuesday's, there have been three derailments during the last 15 years in New Madrid County, all of which occurred on the Union Pacific lines -- one in Parma, Mo., and one on the Ross Farms, next to Route D between Catron, Mo., and Lilbourn.

Pertinent address;

Lilbourn, Mo.