CALERA, Ala. — A CSX employee has died in a derailment today near Calera, Ala., the railroad has confirmed.
The railroad said in a statement that the employee was fatally injured in an incident at about 3:49 a.m. “while performing his duties near the Highway 22 crossing in Calera, Ala.
“Our hearts are with the employee’s family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. CSX appreciates the swift response of local first responders. The incident is under investigation.
“We are focused on supporting our employees and the family of our fallen colleague, and we are providing all available resources during this time of loss.”
In a Facebook post, the Shelby County Coroner identified the person killed as 52-year-old Charles Harrison of Mountain Brook, Ala., and said no other details are available for release at this time.
The City of Calera said in a Facebook post that Calera Police and Fire responded to the scene following a report of a train derailment. Tne city said the National Transportation Safety Board is now leading the investigation; the NTSB has confirmed that it is investigating but currently has no additional information on the incident.
An NTSB spokesman said a team of four investigators are en route to the scene, where they will document the scene and examine the train and equipment involved. The investigation will investigate three primary areas: the human, machine, and operating environment. Information to be gathered will include data from image and event recorders from the locomotive, if availale; records regarding inspection and maintenance of track, railcars, and braking systems; signal data; dispatching information; and any electronic devices that could contain relevant information.
Calera is about 30 miles south of Birmingham, Ala., on CSX’s S&NA South Subdivision.
— Updated at 3:30 p.m. CT with NTSB confirmation of investigation and at 3:50 p.m. with additional information from NTSB on the investigation process. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
