Highway 111 now open following train derailment near Salton Sea

(KYMA) - Highway 111 is now open Thursday morning after a train derailment near the Salton Sea forced it to close.

According to our sister station KESQ, it happened after 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Mecca and North Shore area, near Parkside Drive.

At least 20 train cars derailed, forcing a response from hazardous materials crew, with Cal Fire saying none of the chemical freight appeared to have been affected and no injuries were reported.

"We ask that people avoid the area to allow crews to get in there. There's gonna be some extensive cleanup involved. Otherwise, just mind the roadblocks, be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you comply with any directions that come out," Tawny Castro, Public Information Specialist for Cal Fire, said at the time Highway 111 was closed.

Highway 111 was closed from Bayside Drive to beyond the derailment area.