Norfolk Southern train derails in New Castle; officials say no hazardous materials released
Crews worked Thursday morning to clear a Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred late Wednesday in Lawrence County.
The derailment was reported shortly before 11:30 p.m. near Montgomery Avenue and Lafayette Street in New Castle.
The were no reports of hazardous materials being released, according to New Castle police.
Norfolk Southern also said no hazardous materials were involved in the nine-car derailment and that no injuries were reported. The rail carrier said Thursday morning, “Our crews responded immediately and are actively working at the site.”
Lawrence County Department of Public Safety noted there were reports of white powder spilling into a body of water and “strange smells” in the area. Department officials said the only cargo that escaped one of the cars was soybeans and that paraffin wax was being transported in the only derailed car designated as carrying a hazardous material.
In a Facebook post at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Lawrence County public safety officials said there was “no threat to the public, no issues with drinking water and no need for evacuations or sheltering.”
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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