Several cars from a Union Pacific Railroad train derailed west of Smithton last night.

According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Department, Union Pacific personnel, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and deputies currently are on the scene and have determined no danger exists to the public.

An unaffected section of the train is blocking the Highway 50 Spur crossing on the western end of Smithton. It cannot be moved for several hours.

Motorists traveling into or out of Smithton will need to use the Route W crossover on the east edge of town until the crossing can be cleared.

Persons need to remain away from the affected area to allow authorized personnel to work.

KMMO News will update this story as more information becomes available.