ATLANTA — A collision between Norfolk Southern and CSX trains led to a derailment and fire this morning at CSX’s Howells Yard in northwest Atlanta.
CSX said in a statement that at 6:28 a.m. ET, “a Norfolk Southern train came in contact with a CSX train at an interchange point in Howells Yard .. causing a derailment. Preliminary information indicates that a total of eight railcars derailed. A locomotive fire was contained and has been extinguished.” The railroad says there were no injuries and no hazardous materials involved; an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and plastic pellets were released.
The incident was contained on CSX property and the railroad says there is no risk to the public.
WXIA-TV reports Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Deputy Chief James McLemore said 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel spilled and burned during the fire while 2,800 was contained within the locomotive, but CSX said in a later update that approximately 485 gallons of fuel were released. Some released fuel flowed into a nearby creek but has been contained.
— Note: Headline updated at 10:45 a.m. CST to clarify sequence of events; updated Nov. 18 at 8:40 a.m. CST with additional information.
