A federal Department of Transportation report says a broken rail caused a freight train to derail along I-80 near USA Parkway earlier this year.

The agency's report also says that the train was going 43 mph when the 30-car derailment happened, around 6:30 a.m. on March 27th.  

At the time, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue reported no hazardous spills; DOT's report says two train cars were carrying hazardous materials, although it doesn't specify what those materials were.

The report also says that associated damage costs totaled nearly $3 million and states that the engineer and conductor were on shift less than two hours when the derailment happened. 

No injuries were reported.

MAY 18, 2026

Union Pacific says clean up from March's cargo train derailment near USA Parkway is anticipated to be done sometime next month. 

Union Pacific tells 2 News Nevada that crews remain on site for safe removal of about 30 train cars that derailed in late March, along I-80 north of Reno.

A portion of the interstate was initially closed for emergency crews. 

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue reported no hazardous spills and no injuries were reported.

The NTSB is investigating.

MARCH 30, 2026 

I-80 east near USA Parkway reopened this past weekend after Friday's train derailment.

Officials are asking people to still be cautious, as crews are expected to continue working in the area for several weeks.

MARCH 28, 2026 

Crews are working to remove debris from a train derailment Friday morning.

The remains of about 30 train cars that derailed yesterday morning are now either on the side of the track or removed from the scene.

Union Pacific trains have also been seen using the tracks heading into Reno. There is no official word on whether the tracks have been reopened for all traffic, including Amtrak.

While the roads seem clear now, we saw slow moving traffic through the corridor due to cleanup efforts for a train derailment.

The right lane on I-80 East remains closed just past the USA Parkway exit for about two miles due to the cleanup. Crews need the space for cranes, flatbed trailers, and other equipment while the cleanup continues.

The train was traveling westbound when some of its cars left the track. No injuries have been reported, and no hazardous materials were spilled.

Union Pacific said it has no timeline for cleanup, but local first responders estimate it will take three to four days.

The cause is still under investigation.

The remains of about 30 train cars that derailed yesterday morning are now either on the side of the track or removed from the scene.