WCBC

August 3rd, 2017 by WCBC Radio

CSX continues to work closely with first responders in Hyndman, Penn., to manage the rail cars that derailed at about 5 a.m. today, and we remain focused on ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. This afternoon CSX hazardous-materials specialists assessed the damage from a safe distance and confirmed several rail cars are still on fire. There are no reports of injuries. As a safety precaution, the Hyndman Fire Department has issued an evacuation of everyone within approximately a mile of the derailment site. To meet the needs of impacted community members, CSX has opened a second community outreach center on the northern side of the derailment, in Bedford, to help answer questions and provide resources.

The locations of the two community outreach centers are: • Hyndman Ministry Center 152 Hyndman Road Hyndman, Penn. • Bedford United Methodist Church 132 East John Street Bedford, Penn.

mpacted residents to the north of the derailment are encouraged to visit the Bedford outreach center. Both centers will be open until 10 p.m. tonight and will re-open at 8 a.m. tomorrow. CSX personnel in these outreach centers are able to make arrangements for lodging, transportation, food and other necessities. Community members can also call 1-800-331-4031 if they have any questions. CSX personnel and first responders will continue monitoring the derailment from a safe distance through the night.

At least 32 rail cars derailed, some of which contain hazardous materials. At least one rail car containing liquified petroleum gas and at least one car containing molten sulphur have leaked and are on fire. CSX has set up environmental monitoring and we have not detected any impact to air quality. The train involved was traveling from Chicago to Selkirk, N.Y., and consisted of five locomotives and 178 rail cars total. Of those, 128 cars were carrying mixed freight, including the materials involved in the incident and construction materials, paper and wood pulp. There were 50 empty rail cars on the train.

At this time there are no estimates of how long the evacuation may last or how long the cleanup may take, but CSX is committed to assisting impacted residents as long as needed and we will work as quickly as we can to get people back in their homes. Until then, we encourage people to follow the evacuation orders for their own safety.