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Arizona train derailment ignites massive fire and partial bridge collapse

Train derailment in Arizona: YouTube
Train derailment in Arizona: YouTube

A train derailment in Arizona sparked a fireball that left up to 10 carriages burning and caused the partial collapse of a bridge over Tempe Town Lake.

Video from the scene showed acrid black smoke billowing across the lake as emergency crews attempted to control the flames as they moved towards cars marked "hazardous materials".

The accident, just east of Phoenix, happened about 6.30 am local time on Wednesday morning. Tempe police warned people to avoid the area while Tempe Fire Medical Rescue reported that the second alarm fire was burning through multiple cars carrying lumber.

Tempe Police chief Sylvia Moir said no injuries were known at this time but that the scene is very dangerous.

"For safety measures, all of Tempe Town Lake is closed until further notice," Tempe Police said.

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