Train Derails in Calif.; Homes Evacuated.Train Derails in Southern California Desert; Nearby Homes Evacuated. ABCnews, March 4, 2008.  freight train derailed in the Southern California desert and tanker cars leaked toxic fumes into the air, forcing home evacuations, authorities said.No one was injured when 29 of the Union Pacific train’s 65 cars derailed Monday night about 140 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It was headed from West Colton to El Centro.[ See ]