Train derailment: 55 iron ore railcars derailed in the Mojave Desert near Kelso

Kelso, California — A 55-car iron ore train derailed in the Mojave Desert on Monday.

While the derailed train leaked fuel, there were no other hazards from hazardous materials, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

There were no passengers on the train.

The derailment was reported around 8:30 am in the area of ​​Kelso Cima and Kelbaker roads in the desert near the ghost town of Kelso east of Barstow.

The southbound Union Pacific freight train carried 55 railcars and two locomotives. Train officials say the iron ore is used in the steelmaking process and is not considered a hazardous material.

No crew injuries were reported. Officials declined to comment on reports that the crew jumped from the train before it derailed.

The cause of the derailment is being investigated.

DEVELOPMENT: This story will be updated as more details become available.