Move FM Global News

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania: On March 2 in the morning, three trains were involved in a collision and derailment in eastern Pennsylvania.

There were reported injuries or evacuations after the incident, which left some railroad cars scattered along a riverbank and at least one partially submerged in the river.

Northampton County officials said the derailment was reported at about 7:15 a.m. in Lower Saucon Township along the Lehigh River.

Local police chief Thomas Barndt said arriving emergency personnel found “multiple trains derailed” but no reported injuries.

No hazardous materials escaped, and no evacuations were ordered, he added.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), initial information indicates an eastbound Norfolk Southern train hit another Norfolk Southern train that stopped on the same track.

Wreckage from the striking train spilled onto an adjacent track and was struck by a westbound Norfolk Southern train, the NTSB added.

The NTSB further said that a team “comprised of experts in train operations, signals and train control, mechanical systems, and human performance” would arrive later in the day.

Containment booms were deployed after diesel fuel spilled into the river, Barndt said.

A small diesel fuel leak “common when locomotives are involved” was contained with the booms and would be “vacuumed out,” Norfolk Southern said.

In an interview with the Allentown Morning Call, Gary Weiland, who lives across the river in Bethlehem Township, said he initially heard what sounded like a crash, then a period of quiet followed by the sound of another crash.

“As the second one was happening, I went upstairs and looked out the window and saw a splash. I said to my wife, ‘I think a train derailed.'” Weiland said.