Breaking News: Another River in VA damage: train carrying crude-oil derailed today, spilling into the James River

 

 

 

Commonwealth of Virginia

Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe

 
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2014
Contact: Brian Coy, Brian.Coy@Governor.Virginia.Gov
 

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Lynchburg Train Derailment

 
Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s response to the train derailment and fire in Lynchburg, Virginia:
 
“This afternoon my Public Safety team informed me of the train derailment and fire in Lynchburg. Immediately after those reports were received the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs were instructed to coordinate with local responders and mobilize the resources necessary to respond to this incident.
 
“Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Adam Thiel has been dispatched to the scene and will provide my team and me with constant updates as this situation unfolds. I have also spoken with Lynchburg Mayor Michael Gillette and offered him any and all resources he needs to respond to this incident and keep Virginians safe.”

 

 Brian Coy

Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe

804-887-9147

 

 

BREAKING NEWS: WATCH LIVE: Train Has Derailed in Lynchburg

Posted: Apr 30, 2014 2:06 PM EDT

By Kelly Gray

 

Lynchburg, Va - A train has derailed in downtown Lynchburg.  It happened around 1:45 Wednesday afternoon, near Amazement Square and the Depot Grille.

Between 12 and 14 CSX tankers carrying crude oil were involved in the train derailment, according to city officials. A witness on the scene says he saw the rail under the train give way.  That is, the dirt and stone beneath the train gave way and according to that witness, the train then toppled over.

Between three and six cars caught fire and the smoke could be seen throughout much of Lynchburg.  Witnesses report seeing flames 80 feet high.  Witnesses also reported seeing a very thick, black smoke.

According to officials, three railway cars fell into the river and the crude oil that was in the tankers is spilling into the river.

People in the general area have been evacuated and both motorists and pedestrians are being cautioned to avoid the area until further notice.
There have been no reported injuries.

CSX officials are working to remove the portion of the train that is blocking workers from leaving Griffin Pipe Foundry located in the lower basin.

The city of Lynchburg is asking that those who had to abandon their vehicles earlier to evacuate to please return and move the vehicles from the area.  Owners of those vehicles are asked to check in with police on 9th and commerce.

Adam Thiel, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security is now in Lynchburg monitoring the derailment situation.

According to Brian Coy in the Governor's Office, HazMat officers have been dispatched to the scene to support local response. 

The Department of Emergency Management also has personnel on the scene.

VA DEQ will be monitoring the substances in the river.

The following roads have been closed in Madison Heights: Route 163, 210, Rocky Hill Road, as Lynch's Ferry Road.
http://www.wset.com/story/25392359/train-has-derailed-in-Lynchburg

 

 

 

 

EARTHWORKS

1 hr ·

Yet another train carrying crude-oil derailed today, spilling into the James River, the source of Richmond, Virginia's drinking water. http://bit.ly/1n3DFN0
Meanwhile, in Texas, 2 were killed and 4 hurt in an oil field explosion: http://bit.ly/1megf5Z.
TAKE ACTION: Tell President Obama we can't afford to wait, we need renewable energy now! http://bit.ly/14uYaId



Three cars in the James. Unknown how much crude oil is leaking into the river. Lynchburg City says drinking water not affected. MORE: wset.com — with Wayne Casto

Train Has Derailed in Lynchburg

www.wset.com

Lynchburg, Va - We have sent crews to a train derailment downtown.We have acrew on scene and will bring you more information as we get it.

 

 

 

ABC 13 News- WSET Official Page shared a link.

about an hour ago

New Info: A witness on the scene says he saw the rail under the train give way... Flames 80 feet high. http://www.wset.com/story/25392359/train-has-derailed-in-Lynchburg

 

 

 

Here's a photo of the derailment and fire from Josh Farmer