Train Derails In Vandergrift, 21 Cars Off Tracks
VANDERGRIFT (KDKA) – Norfolk Southern Railroad called in an environmental team Thursday afternoon to the scene of a train derailment in Vandergrift.
According to officials at the scene, 21 cars of a 120-car Norfolk Southern train derailed on First Street around 8 a.m.
One of the derailed tanker cars struck a MSI Steel building. The building was evacuated, but there were no reported injuries.
Officials say four cars began leaking crude oil after the derailment, but crews have been able to stop the leaks.
"It appears we have 21 train cars that have derailed here in Vandergrift Borough. Currently, we have a small leak coming out of one car. It's contained. There's a storm drain near it, but it's not into the storm drain. The Hazmat crews for the railroad are on site and they will be taking care of that situation. There are no injuries. There are no problems for evacuation with the exception of the MSI company," Dan Steven, of Westmoreland County Emergency Management, said.
The environmental team has been called in to cleanup the estimated 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of crude oil that spilled in the derailment.
Officials say the train was transporting a variety of products, including Canadian heavy crude oil, propane and other products.
Several flatbed trucks were brought in to try and get the derailed cars upright.
"It's going to be a very tedious and long-term process," said Stevens of the cleanup. "It could be days."
Fortunately, this situation did not turn into a major disaster like the one in Quebec, Canada, last year.
A train, similar to this one, was also carrying crude oil and propane. The train derailed, exploded and 47 people died as a result.
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