Separate Norfolk Southern train derailments prompt emergency responses, evacuation in central Alabama
Two Norfolk Southern trains derailed Thursday in central Alabama, with an evacuation ordered in Springville while emergency crews responded to a separate derailment in Maplesville.
The Springville evacuation area has since been reduced, while some roads around the derailment remain closed.
Norfolk Southern said the Springville train derailed shortly after 3 p.m. after colliding with a tractor-trailer at a crossing.
Initial assessments indicate 34 railcars and two locomotives derailed, the railroad said. No leaks of any hazardous materials have been detected.
St. Clair County said at 3:21 p.m. that Interstate 59 and Highway 11 had reopened
The evacuation radius has been reduced to 1,000 feet from the scene near Buckner Trailers, according to the county.
This content is imported from facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Walker Drive and Industrial Drive remain closed.
The derailment is also affecting St. Clair County Schools. The district said some school bus routes are inside the evacuation area, and students who live within the zone will not be dropped off at home.
Those students will return to their schools for pickup, while other students could see delays in their normal drop-off times, the district said.
School officials are also asking parents to stay away from the derailment and evacuation area so emergency crews can work.
Police are asking people to stay out of the affected area until emergency officials determine it is safe to return. They also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel near the scene and leave room for emergency personnel to work.
Springville police said more information would be released as it becomes available.
Norfolk Southern said a southbound train derailed in Maplesville shortly before 11 a.m. Eastern time, or 10 a.m. Central time, near the intersection of Alabama 22 and Railroad Street. That train was hauling trash.
The agency began receiving calls shortly before 10 a.m., and deputies and other emergency crews responded.
No injuries have been reported, and authorities said no hazardous materials were detected or leaking from the train. Chilton County 911 said no hazardous materials were on board.
Main Street is closed in the affected area, and officials said the response could take time as crews work to clear the scene and safely move the remaining train cars.
Authorities also warned of possible delays for some Maplesville High School students who ride a school bus Thursday afternoon.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.