Austin Derailment Marks First Incident in Recent Memory, Says Longtime Downtown Worker

A cargo train derailed in downtown Austin on Thursday, April 23, 2026, near Bowie Street and West Third Street, prompting road closures and a response from Austin Police Department and Union Pacific crews.

The incident occurred just before 4:45 a.m., according to officials, involving a 230-car freight train that was not carrying passengers or hazardous materials. No injuries were reported, and there is no threat to public safety, stated Matthew Nonweiler, a public information officer for the Austin Police Department.

Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysver said approximately seven train cars jumped the track. The cause of the derailment is under investigation by railroad and state officials.

As of Thursday morning, several intersections were closed, including Third Street and Bowie Street, Sandra Muraida Way and West Second Street, Third Street and Walter Seaholm Drive, Third Street and Lamar Boulevard, and West Mary Street and Oltorf Street. Austin police expected some downtown roads to remain closed for hours during the cleanup operation.

The Austin Independent School District warned that certain bus routes could face significant delays due to the closures affecting the Seaholm District and South Lamar areas. Railroad personnel were on site early Thursday, though officials had not yet provided an estimate for how long the cleanup would take.

Nonweiler, who has worked in Austin’s downtown for the last decade, said This represents the first Austin derailment in his recent memory. He added that the situation was expected to last multiple hours.