Another Norfolk Southern train derailed on Thursday morning in Calhoun County, Alabama, just over a month after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
The derailment occurred around 6:45 a.m. on March 9 in the White Plains area, according to a Facebook post by the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Around 30 train cars reportedly derailed in a wooded area.
Norfolk Southern said the train route initially began in Atlanta, Georgia, and was intended to arrive at Meridian, Mississippi, prior to the derailment.
Details on what the train was carrying are currently unknown, but the Calhoun County EMA did confirm there was no hazardous material leaked.
“There are no injuries and no reports of leaks of hazmat also, we have no road blockages. Norfolk Southern has responded and is working closely with us,” said the Calhoun County EMA in a Facebook post. “There is NO danger to the public.”
Although there was no leaking of hazardous material, Connor Spielmaker, Norfolk Southern’s senior communications manager, told reporters in a press conference that two cars had previously contained hazardous material, but there was none on board during the derailment.
“As a federal common carrier, we’re required to carry these things that help move America’s economy,” he said, per Fox Business. “Of course, doing it safely is our number one priority.”
The clean-up process of the site has already begun, and the Calhoun County EMA has said to avoid the area.
“The clean up crews will now begin clean up. The work will be 24/7 until complete so you can expect noises throughout the night. Please avoid the area so that work crews can do what they need to do,” said the Calhoun County EMA in a Facebook post.
The derailment in Alabama came just hours before CEO Alan Shaw appeared before Congress to apologize for the February 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The Ohio derailment, followed by the decision to burn off hazardous chemicals from the train, has citizens concerned about their long-term health.
“I am going to see this through. There are no strings attached to our assistance — if residents have a concern, we want them to come talk to us,” said Shaw, per the Washington Examiner. “I pledge that we won’t be finished until we make it right.”
Since the Ohio derailment, Norfolk Southern has announced various safety initiatives the company will be taking to avoid similar incidents in the future, as reported by The Dallas Express. The company also promised over $5 million to replace equipment and support East Palestine after the derailment, as The Dallas Express reported.
