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Train Derailment in Austin Explained | Austin News
A Union Pacific freight train derailed in downtown Austin just before 4:45 AM on April 23, thanks to a combo of a failed distributed power unit and dangerous slack buildup as the train rounded a curve. No injuries or hazardous materials were involved, but the damage topped $1 million. The FRA’s brief report points to a ground relay fault that disabled the DPU — an extra engine helping pull the 239-car train — and as the train descended, slack bunched up, causing the derailment. Union Pacific says they’ve reviewed the findings and remain committed to safety, acknowledging that even with all…
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