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TOWN OF AMSTERDAM — Several empty tanker cars derailed from a CSX freight train along Route 5 in the town of Amsterdam on Friday morning.
No injuries were reported and there is no danger to the public, according to Montgomery County Undersheriff Carl Rust.
“Visually, nothing is leaking from the tankers,” Rust said Friday.
Emergency personnel and CSX crews at the scene were working to determine whether residual substances within the tankers posed any hazmat concerns related to removal of the train.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Route 5 was initially closed to all traffic between Swart Hill and Wolf Hollow Roads due to the incident. The state Department of Transportation later announced that all westbound lanes of Route 5 have reopened, but the eastbound lanes are expected to remain closed until Saturday.
The road will likely remain closed until the train is removed. The state Department of Transportation is working to reroute traffic from Route 5, Rust said. The DOT, in a Facebook post, later said that the eastbound detour route is from Route 5 Amsterdam to Main Street (Route 30) to Route 5S EB. Continue on Route 5S EB to Route 103 in Rotterdam Junction, Route 103 to Route 5.
Amtrak service to and from points in Albany has also been suspended. Trains already en route have been stopped at stations, according to an Amtrak spokesperson.
Multiple motorists reported the CSX freight train derailment along Route 5 near Avery Road around 7:53 a.m.
Around six to eight cars towards the front of the train left the tracks and overturned. The westbound train did not enter the road and remaining cars stayed upright on the tracks.
The derailment occurred in an isolated area away from homes. No evacuations were necessary as a result.
Only a conductor and engineer were on the train in an engine car at the time of the derailment. They were not present in any of the derailed cars.
Rust said both individuals were interviewed, but declined to provide any details from their accounts of the incident.
Multiple law enforcement and emergency service agencies from across the region responded to the incident. CSX has taken control of the scene.
“CSX is working closely with local first responders to assess the situation. The safety of the community and everyone on site is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan. The cause of the incident is under investigation,” said the transportation company in a prepared statement.
State Gov. Kathy Hochul has been briefed on the train derailment and directed state agencies to provide any needed assistance to local emergency crews.
The state Office of Fire Prevention and Control, DOT and state police were on-site to monitor the situation and assist with the response and managing traffic on Friday.
“Our top priority is ensuring all railroad workers and nearby motorists are safe and that Amtrak service is restored as quickly as possible,” said Hochul in a prepared statement.
Shenandoah Briere contributed to this report.
Reach Ashley Onyon at [email protected] or @AshleyOnyon on Twitter.
