Train derailment leaves rail bridge heavily damaged; transit accident sends three to hospital
Written by RT&S Staff
Norfolk Southern
Two derailments occurred on Sept. 21; one happened in dramatic fashion while the other showed more of a pattern.
In Lafayette, Ind., a Norfolk Southern train derailed while crossing a rail bridge over the Wabash River near South Street. The accident caused at least three rail cars to fall into the water. Hundreds of bystanders checked in on the damage. No one was hurt and the rail cars appeared to be hauling rock and scrap metal.
Norfolk Southern said it did not know who owned the bridge, which also is used by CSX and the Kankakee, Beaverville, and Southern Railroad. Viewing images taken from the scene, the bridge looked torn up just off its approach. Girders were bent and some crossties appeared to be off the structure while others were misaligned on the damaged section.
The Lafayette Police Department said Norfolk Southern did not request assistance from emergency responders.
Over in Denver, three people were injured when an R Line train left the tracks at the intersection of Exposition Avenue and Sable Boulevard. It marked the second time a train derailed at the intersection in four years.
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