Maryland-bound train derailed, two cars fall into Potomac River
(CNN)Two
freight cars fell into the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West
Virginia, early Saturday morning when part of a Maryland-bound train
derailed, according to a CSX spokesman.
The
train was traveling between Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Sandy
Hook Road in Maryland when seven grain cars derailed over Winchester and
Potomac Railroad Bridge. All the rail cars -- including the two that
fell into the Potomac River -- were empty and no injuries were reported,
CSX Spokesman Bryan Tucker told CNN.
The
cause of the derailment remains unclear and is under investigation, CSX
said. The railway is working to swiftly to clean up and restore the
area, according to Tucker.
Washington
County Emergency Management said it "is closely monitoring the scene
and reports no injuries, no spills, no hazardous materials and no
immediate danger to the public," according to a statement on the agency's website.
The Washington County Division of Emergency Services
closed Sandy Hook Road as a result of the train derailment, adding that
the "road closure is expected to last until midnight with the
possibility of extending into tomorrow morning."
Amtrak service will not be impacted by the derailment, says Tucker.
Fire
departments from Frederick County in Maryland and Jefferson and
Washington counties in West Virginia, as well as the CSX Police
Department, responded to the derailment, according to a spokeswoman at
the Washington County 911 dispatch.
CNN's Alta Spells contributed to this report.

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