A CSX freight train derailed near the West Fraser Sawmill in McDavid, FL on Monday night. A total of 25 cars derailed, including several tanker cars that contained molten sulfur, liquid ammonium nitrate, and two empty cars that had recently contained molten phenol.
Escambia County interim Public Safety Director, Eric Gilmore, described the scene as a total pileup with railcars on top of each other and destroyed track…“We don’t have a public safety concern at this point but it is going to be an environmental cleanup.”
CSX stated “Three of the cars spilled some limestone rock adjacent to the tracks. CSX is working closely with Escambia County first responders and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Initial reports indicate there is no public health threat. Crews are on site clearing the tracks of the derailed cars and working to restore the area. The safety of the community and everyone on site is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan.”
Authorities said there were no injuries reported and no hazardous materials were released. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation.
CSX Train Derails Near McDavid; It’s Not A Public Safety Threat, But Environmental Cleanup To Follow
