Downtown Lynchburg is Evacuated After CSX Fuel Train Derails, Catches Fire

I was alarmed to read about the unfolding situation in Lynchburg, Virginia in which a CSX train carrying crude oil derailed in the downtown and caught fire along the James River.

The Virginian-Pilot reported on how “numerous buildings” were being evacuated on Wednesday afternoon.

“The city of Lynchburg on its website posted that the fire department was on the scene and urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area. It tweeted that the tanker cars were carrying crude oil and that three or four of them were breached. The city said 13 or 14 tanker cars were involved in the derailment,” reported the Pilot.

There are no reports of injuries but I am watching the situation closely as a railroad accident attorney who has written on a number of occasions about the flaws in the tanker cars used by the big railroads.

No injuries were immediately reported, according to the city. However, pictures from the scenes showed blackened tankers and heavy smoke and flames.

Oil train accidents were reportedly the topic of National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman last week at a two-day safety forum in Washington when the government was urged to take steps to stop a series of disastrous accidents.

If you have been hurt in a railroad accident call our Virginia railroad accident attorneys at 757.455.0077 or see CooperHurley.com