According to reports, a Norfolk Southern train and a CSX train collided at Howells Yard in Atlanta, resulting in a derailment and diesel fuel fire.
The incident reportedly caused eight rail cars to derail.
The collision and derailment happened around 6:15 a.m. Friday morning.
“There were no hazardous materials involved in the collision. However, an unspecified amount of diesel fuel and plastic pellets were released as a result,” FOX 5 Atlanta reports.
Here’s footage of the wreckage:
🚨#BREAKING: Emergency Crews are battling a raging fire after a train reportedly carrying thousands of gallons of fuel derailed
Currently, numerous firefighters and other emergency personnel are on the scene in Northwest Atlanta, Georgia, responding to a… pic.twitter.com/rwsx8gKT0h
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 17, 2023
Fulton Co.: A partial train derailment is happening in the area of Old Chattahoochee Ave and Bowen St. We're told fire crews are on the scene blocking all lanes on Defoor Ave NW between Howell Mill Rd and Collier Rd. #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/KQ7BepU5yE
— SKYFOX Traffic (@SKYFOXTraffic) November 17, 2023
#BREAKINGNEWS 7:00am NW Atlanta: Trail derailment & fire has shut down Defoor Ave between Collier Rd & Howell Mill Rd. #ATLtraffic @wsbradio #SkyCopter @wsbtv #CaptnCam pic.twitter.com/7QVG5c8vUa
— Mark McKay 🚁 ☀️ (@mckayWSB) November 17, 2023
DRONE VIDEO: #SKYFOXDrone is giving us an aerial view of the train derailment in Atlanta. You can see first responders on scene and the aftermath of a fire that sent huge plumes of smoke into the air. We have the latest on @FOX5Atlanta #ATL #NEWS pic.twitter.com/aV80eiu9Rm
— Billy Heath III (@BillyHeathFOX5) November 17, 2023
FOX 5 Atlanta reports:
It’s worth noting that the derailment is contained within CSX property. The company has expressed appreciation for the prompt response of local first responders and assured the public that safety remains their top priority. CSX is actively working on developing a recovery plan to address the aftermath of the incident. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department reported no injuries and no evacuations in nearby neighborhoods.
According to CSX Spokesperson Sheriee Bowman, the train collision “ruptured the fuel tank on a CSX locomotive and caused some cars carrying plastic pellets to turn over.”
From WSB-TV:
First Deputy Chief for Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department, James Mclemor, said the locomotive had 4,000 gallons of fuel on it, and about 1,200 burned off.
He said CSX mitigation team has contained any runoff.
“CSX appreciates the swift action of local first responders,” CSX officials wrote to Channel 2 Action News in a statement. “Safety is our highest priority as we work to develop a recovery plan.”
Norfolk Southern confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that they are working with CSX to investigate the cause of the collision.
CSX said the cleanup steps include safe removal of any derailed cars, completing any repairs to track infrastructure, cleaning up plastic pellets and any remaining diesel fuel.
Atlanta News First aired this video report:
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