Train derailment blocks Wilson County road
WILSON COUNTY (WTVD) -- A train derailment in Wilson County blocked both directions of NC-581 for several hours Tuesday.
The accident happened around 1:45 a.m. near US-301.
CSX told ABC11 that a freight train with five locomotives and 220 cars in total was carrying coal when it derailed three cars. No injuries were reported.
The Jacksonville, Florida rail company said crews worked for hours to clean-up the coal that spilled from two of the cars and restore service. The train was headed from Rocky Mount to Florence, SC when the derailment occurred. The cause is under investigation.
NC-581 reopened to traffic around 1 p.m. A detour was set up for drivers.
Wilson County authorities told ABC11 that CSX notified them of the derailment.
"CSX regrets that this incident occurred and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause to residents and commuters in the area," the company said in a statement. "We will work as quickly as safety allows to restore the free flow of traffic through that area."
