Columns of smoke could be seen rising in the morning sky under a trail of flames in video and images from the site of the derailment, where part of the bridge collapsed.
The train was carrying unknown dangerous material, according to the Tempe Fire Department.
Tempe Police Department Chief of Police Sylvia Moir urged residents via Twitter to stay away from the scene, which she described as very dangerous.
Fire department spokesman Brandon Siebert said officials were “erring as a precaution” and kept firefighters and bystanders “as far away as possible” until they learn more about the hazardous material on the train.
According to Siebert, the operator is safe and helps hazardous materials technicians determine what was on the train.
“It is possible that the derailment led to the partial collapse of the bridge, but we do not know for sure at this time,” Siebert said.
According to Siebert, nearly 100 firefighters from Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Scottsdale responded to the scene.
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