SANDSTONE, WV – According to a statement from CSX, an empty coal train collided with a rockslide on tracks in West Virginia on Wednesday morning, resulting in a derailment that and fire that injured three crew members.
The incident occurred in Summers County near the New River, causing four locomotives and 22 empty cars to derail. The front locomotive, which three workers on board, caught fire, and the crew members were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
An unoccupied locomotive was found partially in the waterway, and officials reported an unknown amount of diesel fuel and oil spillage.
Environmental teams were dispatched to contain the spill.
Several state agencies are keeping an eye on the situation, and public water systems downstream have been notified to monitor any possible public health concerns.
CSX clarified that no hazardous materials were being transported, and the public was not in any danger.
The train derailment in southern West Virginia just south of Sandstone in Summers County, WV.
The derailment is located in between Sandstone and Hinton.
Right along the New River. pic.twitter.com/7nq0LysYy8
— Brandon Lawson (@wxbrandon9) March 8, 2023
We’re on scene of a train that derailed in Summers County. A train pulling empty coal cars derailed early Wednesday morning near Richmond store. At this time, no roadways are affected by this incident. Several CSX employees on scene now. Photos by @Register_Herald Jenny Harnish pic.twitter.com/IdxY2YHHe4
— Josephine Moore (@Jozy_Elizabeth) March 8, 2023
Train derailment at Sandstone (West Virginia) pic.twitter.com/dWeY1WpIoI
— lildevillishbrat ☮️ (@lildevillishbr2) March 8, 2023
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