SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Emergency crews responded to a train derailment in Scranton at approximately 1:45 p.m. after receiving reports of an active fuel leak, authorities said.
When first responders arrived at the railroad tracks near ID Logistics in the Stauffer Industrial Park, they found one locomotive off the tracks with its fuel tank ruptured and leaking diesel fuel. The train consisted of 10 cars in total, including the locomotive, and several of the cars had derailed.
Deputy Fire Chief Dan Paul Hallowich said crews acted quickly to slow the leak and contain the spill. While fuel continues to seep from the damaged tank, the flow has been significantly reduced from when crews first arrived. Firefighters established containment areas and are collecting the leaking fuel in controlled pools to prevent it from spreading.
Officials estimate there were approximately 2,580 gallons of fuel in the locomotive’s tank. Representatives from Reading & Northern are coordinating with contractors to offload the remaining fuel and begin cleanup operations. Contractors will also work to remediate the affected area.
Authorities said the spill appears to be confined to a small area surrounding the locomotive. Defensive measures were put in place between the fuel and nearby waterways, and officials do not believe any fuel entered local streams. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is responding to further assess the situation and evaluate any potential environmental impact.
The cargo on the remaining rail cars is believed to be non-hazardous, officials said.
The Scranton Fire Department, Scranton Police Department, Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, and rail company representatives are all involved in the response.
No injuries were reported.
An estimated timeline for clearing the scene and restoring the train to the tracks was not immediately available. Rail officials will determine how long it will take to remove the fuel and reposition the derailed cars, several of which remain leaning.