A Norfolk Southern freight train derailed Friday evening near Browns and Bellmont in Wabash County, spilling hazardous materials and temporarily shutting down multiple roadways, including Illinois Route 15.
According to Norfolk Southern, the derailment occurred shortly before 7:00pm Friday. Twenty-four rail cars went off the tracks, with two cars leaking molten sulphur. Although the incident prompted a hazardous materials response, officials confirmed there was no danger to the public.
Two train crew members sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a hospital.
The derailment occurred on East 170 Road. Emergency and hazmat response teams from several agencies, including the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security, and multiple area fire departments, worked to contain the scene. Norfolk Southern crews began clearing the damaged rail cars early Saturday morning.
Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge announced via Facebook that the area was secured by 5:00 a.m. Saturday, and by 7:00 a.m. Sunday, all first responders had been released from the scene. Responding units included MABAS 47, Albion, Browns, Bone Gap, Bellmont, Wabash County EMA, Mt. Carmel, and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office.
The Illinois Department of Transportation closed IL Hwy 15 from Albion to Mt. Carmel following the derailment. The highway reopened around 5:30 p.m. Saturday
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