Train derails in southern Chesapeake, prompting indefinite closure
CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake and Albemarle Rail Line will be out of service indefinitely following a train derailment Monday in southern Chesapeake.
The Chesapeake Fire Department responded to the incident, where five freight cars derailed and caused significant damage to the rail line while traveling from the South Norfolk Rail Yard to Elizabeth City. A freight train carrying rock, plastic and cement was traveling through Chesapeake, north of Mt. Pleasant Road, when the cars derailed around 3:20 p.m. The cars remained upright and stopped between Mt. Pleasant and Fentress roads.
All five freight cars were empty at the time of the incident, so no products or hazardous materials were released, according to the fire department. Additionally, no environmental impacts from the incident and no injuries were reported.
The Chesapeake and Albemarle Rail Line is a short-line railroad that operates 68 miles of track from Chesapeake to Edenton. The rail line will be out of service for an unknown duration while the incident is mitigated and repairs are made to the rail. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified.
