A Norfolk Southern train bridge in Roanoke County, VA collapsed on Friday evening causing a coal train to derail and sending 22 cars carrying around 2000 tons of coal into the Roanoke River. The cause of the bridge collapse is under investigation. There were no injuries reported and no hazardous materials were involved in the accident.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is working with local, state, and federal agencies to collect water samples and determine if there have been any impacts to the water quality. Until the samples have been analyzed Salem will be withdrawing water from groundwater wells rather than the river.
Train derails in Roanoke County after bridge collapsed releasing 2000 tons of coal in river
