A Norfolk Southern cargo train experienced a derailment on Saturday evening near Springfield, Ohio. This is the second train derailment for the company in the state in the past month.
According to the company spokesperson, no hazardous materials were aboard, although the Clark County Emergency Management Agency was working to confirm the report.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident involving approximately 20 out of the 212 cars. The derailment occurred near the Clark County Fairgrounds, causing over 1,500 people to lose power. Residents within 1000 feet were asked to shelter in place.
An eyewitness reported hearing a loud bang and seeing debris shoot from under the cars before they jumped off the track.
In response to the incident, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tweeted that hazardous materials were not involved. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tweeted that he had been updated and briefed by the Federal Railroad Administration and had spoken to Governor DeWine to offer support.
This is in stark contrast to the derailment of the Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, where several cars carrying hazardous materials burned and residents of both Ohio and Pennsylvania were evacuated.