Norfolk Southern train derails in Lehigh Valley, sending 2 engines into river; no threat to public
A collision and derailment involving three Norfolk Southern trains along the Lehigh River in Lower Saucon Township on Saturday morning, sent part of two engines into the water.
The derailment happened in the area of Riverside Drive, across the river from Nagy’s Landing in Bethlehem Township, around 7:15 a.m. A total of three trains were involved in the incident, though only one derailed, officials said at an 11 a.m. news conference.
Photos from the scene showed the front edge of at least two engines sticking into the water, with multiple other cars off the track.
Norfolk Southern is investigating as is the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The cause of the derailment is unknown, officials said at the news conference. Officials added they did not know how fast the trains were moving or exactly how many train cars were involved.
An unknown quantity of diesel fuel and a small quantity of polypropylene pellets spilled into the Lehigh River as a result of the derailment, officials said.
There were no hazardous materials involved, according to Lower Saucon Township Police Chief Thomas Barndt. Containment booms were deployed, he said.
No one was injured in the derailment, Barndt said. Train crews needed some assistance getting up the river bank and were given ropes to help them.
At the news conference, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said there was no danger to the public.
Earlier, in a post on the county’s Facebook page around 8:30 a.m., he said, “There are currently no evacuations, no injuries, and no leaks from any containers.”
McClure said Northampton County Emergency Management and the Lehigh County hazmat team were at the scene providing support. Norfolk Southern was also there doing an assessment, McClure said.
“The most important thing we can do for our first responders is stay away from the site,” McClure said.
Norfolk Southern in a statement confirmed it had personnel on scene who were “assessing with first responders.” The company praised “the quick, professional response by local emergency agencies.”
Riverside Drive is closed, and Lower Saucon Township Police are advising people to stay out of the area.
Gary Weiland, who lives across the river on Wilson Avenue in Bethlehem Township, heard the derailment. He said he initially heard what sounded like a first crash, then there was quiet, followed by the sound of another crash.
“As the second one was happening, I went upstairs and looked out the window and saw a splash. I said to my wife, ‘I think a train derailed.’” Weiland said.
Weiland said they are used to their windows vibrating from passing trains. “But not today,” he said. “It was a rumble. It was a little spooky.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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