A locomotive and 11 train cars derailed in Jasper Saturday night, trapping and briefly injuring two crew members, Norfolk Southern and Jasper police said in statements released today.
The locomotive rolled on its side, spilling diesel and engine oil. The two injured crew members were briefly trapped in the engine room, according to Jasper police. The crew members were taken to a hospital, treated and released, Norfolk Southern said.
“Last night, 11 cars and the lead locomotive derailed a train traveling through Jasper, Alabama,” Norfolk Southern said in a statement.
The railroad said the derailment did not involve hazardous materials and there is no danger to the community.
“There are no reports of a hazardous material situation or danger to the public,” Norfolk Southern said.
“Our two crew members were transported to the hospital and have since been released,” the statement said.
Crews have been on site for the cleanup.
“During the derailment, the locomotive rolled on its side and as a result spilled some diesel and engine oil,” the railway said. “Crews from Norfolk Southern have responded and have been working through the night to clean up, and all cars involved have been removed from the track. We would also like to thank the first responders who arrived quickly on the scene and had take care of our crew.”
Jasper police, in their statement, said the crash happened near 1350 Old Russvelville Road.
“Jasper Police were notified of a train derailment tonight in the area of 1350 Old Russelville Road,” the release said. “According to Norfolk Southern, the train crew was briefly trapped in the engine room as the engine tilted. There were no major injuries, but RPS was called to the scene to assess the crew and transported two members of the crew as a precaution. According to Norfolk Southern personnel, there were no hazardous materials involved in the derailment or released in the area. Jasper Fire called all personnel to assist the crew to exit the train and manage the scene , along with Jasper Police. Norfolk Southern and Walker County EMA remain on scene to return the track to service.”
A month ago, Norfolk Southern had another derailment in Calhoun County. Several train cars derailed March 9 in a rural area between Iron City Motorway and Angel Road in the eastern part of the county.
The CEO of Norfolk Southern apologized to Congress last month and pledged millions of dollars to help East Palestine, Ohio, after a toxic train derailment on Feb. 3. “We’re looking at all of these incidents and figuring out how we can become an even safer railroad,” Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said. “Safety remains a No. 1 priority and we will make sure to learn from this.”
The National Transportation Safety Board said last month it would begin a broad review of the company’s safety culture, the first such investigation into the rail industry since 2014.
The board said that since December 2021, it has sent investigative teams to investigate five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern.
There is a long history of train derailments in Alabama. There was also a 10-car train derailment in Walker County in May 2010.
See also: Train derails in Calhoun County
The train derailed in Walker County in 2010
