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 International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division, which represents conductors, said in a Dec. 14 post on its website that Harrison had been a member of the union since 2022, employed by Norfolk Southern until moving to CSX in 2023. “Our entire union family is deeply saddened today,” the union said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the members of Locals 847 and 622, to Brother Harrison’s family and friends, and to all who knew and worked alongside him.” The union said its ability to comment further is severely restricted because the accident is the subject of an active federal investigation.
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. Updated Dec. 14 at 9:35 a.m. with comment from SMART-TD. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
