3 trains involved in ‘collision and derailment’ in Northampton County; no injuries reported

Officials said the derailment was reported at about 7:15 a.m. Saturday in Lower Saucon Township along the Lehigh River. No hazardous materials were involved and no evacuations were ordered.

BETHLEHEM — Authorities say three trains were involved in a collision and derailment in Northampton County on Saturday morning that caused no reported injuries or evacuations but left some railroad cars scattered along a riverbank and at least one partially in the river

Officials said the derailment was reported at about 7:15 a.m. in Lower Saucon Township along the Lehigh River. The township’s police chief, Thomas Barndt, said arriving emergency personnel found “multiple trains derailed” but no reported injuries. No hazardous materials were involved and no evacuations were ordered, he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board said preliminary information indicates an eastbound Norfolk Southern train struck another Norfolk Southern train that had 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 said in an email to The Associated Press.

Authorities said the collision led to the derailment of an unknown number of cars, but there were no reported injuries or release of hazardous materials. A team “comprised of experts in train operations, signals and train control, mechanical systems, and human performance” was expected to arrive later in the day, the NTSB email said.

Last February, Norfolk Southern trains were involved in a fiery 50-car train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, just over the Pa. state line. The surrounding area was evacuated, including Beaver County, due to fears of a potential explosion from the hazardous chemicals on board the train. The railway company agreed to pay Pennsylvania $7 million to cover the cost of the response and recovery for state agencies, fire departments, and businesses and residents in Beaver and Lawrence counties. 

Nancy Run Fire Company posted pictures showing a number of railroad cars scattered along the riverbank and at least one partially in the water. Local officials told reporters some ropes were used to assist some personnel to reach the roadway from the riverbank after the derailment.

Barndt said containment booms were deployed after diesel fuel spilled into the river. Norfolk Southern called it a small diesel fuel leak “common when locomotives are involved” that was contained with the booms and would be “vacuumed out.”

Norfolk Southern also said plastic pellets spilled from one car, predominantly onto the ground, and that would also be cleaned up. The company praised “the quick, professional response by local emergency agencies.”

Gary Weiland, who lives across the river in Bethlehem Township, told The (Allentown) Morning Call 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.

Keystone senior community editor Patrick Berkery contributed to this report.