Minor Train Collision In Howard County Closes Landfill Used By Hempstead County Monday

By Southwest Arkansas Radio, 09/15/20 11:23 AM

Two trains had a slow speed collision Monday morning on tracks near the Upper Southwest Arkansas Regional Landfill in Howard County. One of the trains was operated by De Queen & Eastern Railroad. The other was a Union Pacific train. Authorities say the accident happened near the landfill & Briar Plant area along Highway 369 north of Nashville. At the time of the collision, the trains were traveling about eight miles per hour. Both units had been traveling at a higher speed & when it was discovered they were on the same track in opposite directions, both tried to stop, but couldn’t come to a complete stop before colliding. One of the De Queen & Eastern employees received minor injuries. The mishap resulted in the closure of the landfill early Monday afternoon.  Hempstead County uses this landfill while Hope uses a municipal landfill.