A malfunctioning “spring switch” may have been the cause of last month’s Norfolk Southern derailment near Browns that left two crew members injured and spilled hazardous materials, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The report says Norfolk Southern train 167, a mixed freight train, derailed as it passed over the switch. Twenty-four cars left the tracks and collided with stationary train 33K, which was waiting on a siding next to the derailment site.
Two tank cars carrying molten sulfur ruptured, spilling onto the tracks. Another tank car carrying denatured fuel ethanol was also breached, releasing about 15 gallons.
Two crew members on the stationary train were hurt. The locomotive engineer sustained a leg injury and was treated at a local hospital. An engineer trainee suffered chemical burns when molten sulfur splashed on him. He was treated on scene before being airlifted to a regional trauma center.
Investigators are focusing on the switch mechanism and possible track maintenance issues as they continue their probe.
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