CSX suffers derailment in Atlanta suburb

CSX derailment in north Atlanta suburb on Sunday, 10.11.2020

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services

A CSX freight train derailed in the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn, Ga. on Sunday at approximately 2:00 a.m. The train had about 170 cars, and 38 derailed, including several cars loaded with hazardous materials. Some of these cars caught fire. The suspected cause of the derailment was a washout along the line.

The remnants of Hurricane Delta arrived in Atlanta this weekend, causing flash floods and widespread damage. A flash flood warning was in effect on Sunday for the southern, eastern and northern suburbs of the city. In addition to the rain, an EF-1 tornado was recorded near Covington, Ga., which is an Atlanta exurb east-southeast of the city.

The engineer and conductor of the train received minor injuries, yet were assessed at the scene by local first responders, then sent to the hospital.

Because of the hazardous material fire, the area closest to the fire was evacuated. At 5:30 a.m., fire officials determined that the hazardous materials and the fire were under control, and they lifted the evacuation order, allowing residents to return to their homes.