JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An empty CSX Transportation coal train struck a rock slide and derailed in Sandstone, W.Va., on Wednesday morning.
All four of the train’s locomotives and nine coal hoppers derailed, the railroad said in a statement. The boulders are estimated to be 10 feet high and 25 feet long.
“The lead locomotive had three crew members — a conductor, an engineer, and an engineer trainee — onboard,” the railroad said. “The locomotive caught fire, but all three crew members are safe and being evaluated and treated for non-life threatening injuries.”
The engineer suffered a compound leg fracture when the lead locomotive rolled over. The engineer trainee remains in the hospital for observation, while the train’s conductor has been treated and released.
Sandstone is located in the rugged New River Gorge. The 4:51 a.m. derailment blocked both tracks of the former Chesapeake & Ohio main line. Photos taken by local news media showed locomotives on their sides, with two units at least partially in the river.
A CSX train rolled through the area about three hours before the derailment and saw no signs of a rock slide.
CSX said an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and oil spilled from the derailed locomotives and that measures were being taken to contain the spill in the New River.
“We greatly appreciate the swift actions of the local first responders in Sandstone that rendered aid to our valued crew members,” CSX said. “The safety of our employees and the community is our top priority as we dispatch our teams to assess the situation and develop a plan to completely restore the area. Our team is in close contact with local police and fire officials and we will continue to work closely with them on our recovery efforts.”
Amtrak’s Cardinal was cancelled in both directions between Huntington, W.Va., and Washington, D.C., as a result of the derailment.
— Updated at 11:50 a.m. CST with information on Amtrak service.
Updated at 1:40 p.m. with photo of rock slide and additional information on the status of the train crew.
