News Summary
A CSX freight train derailment in New Kent County, Virginia, has severely disrupted Amtrak services. The incident involved two locomotives and numerous coal cars derailing, leading to train route cancellations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but environmental measures are being implemented due to diesel fuel leakage. Recovery efforts are underway while alternate bus transportation is arranged for affected passengers. Local authorities and emergency crews are assisting in managing the situation as investigations continue.
New Kent County, Virginia – Amtrak service has been significantly disrupted following a CSX freight train derailment on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. between Roxbury and South Mountcastle roads in New Kent County, Virginia, resulting in the cancellation of several train routes in the area.
A total of two locomotives and 53 coal cars were involved in the derailment, which ended up in surrounding wetlands. Initial reports indicated that at least 15 coal cars had derailed; however, later estimates suggested that the number could be closer to 30 cars.
Furthermore, a bridge in the area was confirmed to have been “taken out” during the derailment. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries as a result of the incident. Officials have also confirmed that there were no hazardous materials on board the derailed cars, ensuring no immediate danger to the surrounding community.
Nevertheless, two locomotives are reported to have lost an unknown quantity of diesel fuel. In response to this, environmental containment measures have been deployed immediately to manage the situation. To address the diesel fuel spill, CSX is currently coordinating a response with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
As recovery efforts are already underway, CSX crews have been working throughout the night to rerail and remove nine of the derailed cars. The derailment has resulted in significant operational disruptions, affecting Amtrak trains 65, 99, and 124, which typically operate between Newport News and Richmond. Additional cancellations were reported on Sunday as a consequence of the derailment.
In light of these disruptions, alternate bus transportation is being arranged for affected Amtrak passengers, with the company issuing apologies for the significant inconvenience. Barnetts Road in Charles City County has been closed to facilitate the emergency recovery operations.
Local fire crews from New Kent, Charles City, and James City counties have responded to the scene and are assisting in the management of the incident. CSX officials have expressed appreciation for the swift response of local first responders and have emphasized that safety remains their top priority.
The investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing, being led by CSX Police. As recovery operations continue and environmental concerns are addressed, officials are working diligently to restore normalcy to railroad services in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WRIC: No One is Injured After Train Derailed in New Kent County
- Google Search: Train Derailment New Kent County
- Pilot Online: Train Derails in New Kent
- Wikipedia: Train Derailment
- WTKR: At Least 15 Coal Cars Derail in New Kent County
- Google News: New Kent County Train Derailment
- 13 News Now: Coal Train Derailment Halts Amtrak Trains
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Train Derailment
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
