On Thursday morning September 15, 2011, sometime after midnight, the train running from Brady to Lometa derailed on the slew bridge on the west side of the San Saba River bridge.

Richard McClure, president of the Gulf Colorado & San Saba Railway, stated that nine empty railcars derailed while crossing the slew bridge and that the investigation is still ongoing at this time as to the cause of the derailment.

McClure also stated that no one was injured in the accident and that the company hopes to be back up and running within 7-10 days.

Sheriff's Deputies responded as well as TxDOT personnel to assist with traffic problems caused not by the railroad accident, but by dangers caused by onlookers walking on the bridge and the tracks. Railroads fall under federal jurisdiction and trespassing and/or damaging property is taken very seriously, carrying punishment ranging up to 25 years in federal prison.

Sheriff Brown stated that in speaking with McClure he was advised that some individuals had been placing large items on the tracks in an attempt to cause the train to strike them. This is not only dangerous, but if these individuals are caught, federal charges will be filed against them.

Additional information on the progress of the repairs and the cause of the accident will follow when available.