MARYSVILLE — While railroad officials worked through the night to clean up a train derailment that occurred Tuesday morning, Scottslawn Road remains closed this morning.
Ryan Prewitt, hazmat manager for CSX, said crews worked, “nonstop, 24/7.”
“We worked all night,” he said.
Scottslawn Road remains closed at Industrial Parkway in Marysville until further notice.
“The road is still closed,” said Marysville Police Deputy Chief Tony Brooks. “I would anticipate it will be closed at least through the remainder of the day today, until they can get those cars cleared from the tracks or at least cleared from the area around the crossing.”
As officials attempt to clear the intersection and open the road, details about the train crash are continuing to emerge.
Brooks said the CSX freight train was traveling to Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant with a load of car parts. Tuesday at about 10 a.m., the train left the main track and entered a low-speed sideline that connects the Scott’s plant to the main line.
“The train should have continued on down the main line and somehow it got switched onto the side line,” said Brooks.
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A CSX train derailed and overturned in the area of Scottslawn Road around 10 a.m. Tuesday, injuring at least two. (PHOTO |MARYSVILLE-JOURNALTRIBUNE) |
On the side track, the train hit several parked rail cars.
“The first locomotive hit those parked cars and the second locomotive derailed and flipped over on its side,” said Brooks.
CSX reports said the train had two locomotives and six freight cars. Railroad officials said one engine and all six cars derailed. They said they were not certain how many other cars were involved.
“The cause of the accident is under investigation,” according to a statement from CSX on Tuesday.
Brooks said Chase J. Moore, 42, of Columbus, and Lucas A. Barga, 49, of Grove City, were onboard the first engine, operating the train.
The two men were initially trapped, but were eventually freed and taken to Memorial Hospital. Officials at the hospital confirmed the men were treated and released Tuesday. According to a CSX statement, the injuries were not serious and the men were transported for evaluation “as a precaution.”
Brooks said the train was carrying car parts and that there was nothing hazardous on board. He said about 80 gallons of engine oil spilled, but CSX officials were working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) at the scene.
Heather Lauer, spokesperson for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said the agency’s main job is to monitor the clean up.
“When we go out to scenes like this, we oversee the contractors who are doing the work,” Lauer said.
Lauer said the spill did not affect flowing water. Crews also built an earthen dam to help contain the oil.
“None of it has gotten into waters of the state,” she said.
As of 9:45 a.m. today, the oil had not been removed as workers continue to clean up the railcars. Lauer said OEPA officials will possibly be on the scene later today, depending on whether or not CSX crews can get the railcars upright.
Lauer said there are no health or environmental concerns following the spill.
“There’s no indication that this should cause a concern,” she said.
According to a CSX statement, personnel and first responders are also on site “assessing the incident and developing plans to restore the scene.”
“The top priority is the safety of the community, CSX employees and emergency responders,” the statement said.
In their statement, CSX officials praised local emergency personnel.
“We appreciate the swift and professional support of first responders,” according to the release.
The Marysville Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Marysville Division of Fire and Allen Township Fire Department and the Union County EMA responded to the scene.
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