Update - 8:45 am: Authorities say the investigation into a train derailment in Hays this morning will be handled by Union Pacific police.
Crews are still on the scene battling the fire.
Right now, their primary concern is keeping the diesel fuel contained so it does not get into the water supply. They are still urging residents to conserve water to help free up resources so crews can continue to fight the fire.
Drivers are also urged to avoid the area around the fire.
More than a dozen people from a mobile home park across the street have been evacuated. They will remain out of their homes at least until the fire is out.
No injuries have been reported.
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Authorities in Hays say a dozen train cars derailed and caught fire at 8th and Vine overnight. Those cars are carrying general cargo and freight.
The train was also hauling 20 cars of ethanol, but officials say those are still upright and on the tracks.
Two of the three locomotives caught fire, causing a massive fire which crews are still on the scene battling.
Due to the large amount of water needed to fight the fire, citizens in Hays are asked to conserve water and refrain from any outdoor watering until further notice.
Citizens are also asked to avoid the area of Highway bypass to 10th and Highway bypass to 10th and Highway bypass to Riley Street. Non-emergency personnel will not be allowed in the area.
Eyewitness Susan Moss tells us the fiery crash happened around 1:15 Tuesday morning just east of 8th and Vine. Moss says she heard screeching and the train horns going off before it hit a vehicle and burst into flames.Reporter Heather Williams is on the scene. She says hazmat crews are on scene working to control the fire. Both Williams and Moss say you can still smell fuel burning for miles.
So far there are no reports of any injuries.
Crews from Ellis County, Victoria, and Ellis are helping put the fire out.
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