Train derailment near downtown Houston

HOUSTON The derailment occurred near Commerce and St. Emanuel just before 10am. Joe Faust with Burlington Northern Santa Fe said the train was traveling from Memphis to Houston when seven cars derailed, and two overturned.

Faust said the train was carrying plastic pellets, which don't pose an environmental problem. The company doesn't know yet what caused the accident. There were no injuries.

Faust says the rail line is owned by Union Pacific and that they're responsible for the cleanup. He says they plan on bringing some booms and other equipment to contain and remove the spill.

The containers involved were filled with powdered plastic. It has spilled from at least two containers. Additionally, a load of steel beams fell onto the tracks. Smoke or steam could be seen escaping from some of the cars. There are no hazardous materials involved.

We're told the plastic material could be there for a couple of days as crews work to clean it up.

Stay with ABC13 Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing story.