A CSX freight train derailed in Lilesville, North Carolina on Sunday evening. While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, it is believed that flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Florence compromised the track and led to the derailment of nine locomotives and five railcars. The train’s crew suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A spokesperson for CSX said “None of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous material and none spilled their contents. Some of the locomotives released an undetermined amount of diesel fuel and motor oil.”
A hazmat team was sent to the site to asses the situation but declined to issue any evacuation orders at this time. Emergency crews have barricaded both sides of the crossing at Haileys Ferry Road just south of US 74.
