Update: 6:09 p.m.
Authorities say a freight train derailment in western Pennsylvania spilled several thousand gallons of crude oil, but all of it went onto a parking lot.
Westmoreland County public safety officials say the derailment of 21 cars was reported shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday on a Norfolk Southern rail line between Vandergrift and East Vandergrift.
Spokesman Dan Stevens says 19 cars carrying heavy crude and two cars contained liquid propane derailed, and about 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of crude spilled from one of the cars.
But Stevens said it all went onto the parking lot and none went into waterways or ground areas.
No injuries were reported. Stevens said 35 people were evacuated from a factory building struck by two of the cars, and the building will be assessed for safety.
Update: 12:50 p.m.
Authorities say as much as 3,000 gallons of crude oil were spilled following this morning’s train derailment in Vandergrift, but all of it was contained in a parking lot.
Westmoreland County public safety officials now put to the total number of derailed cars at 21. Nineteen of the were cars carrying heavy crude and two cars contained liquid propane.
No injuries were reported but 35 people were evacuated from the factory struck by two of the cars. The building is being assessed for safety.
Update: 10:08 a.m.
Officials are saying as many as 18 cars out of the 118 car train have derailed.
The majority of cars are carrying crude oil and liquid propane gas. One car is leaking, but the substance is unconfirmed, according to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection spokesman John Poister.
Original Post: 9:19 a.m.
As many as 10 cars of a freight train went off the tracks this morning in Westmoreland County and broke through the side of a building, according to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection spokesman John Poister.
The freight cars hit the side of the MSI Corporation at 210 First St. in Vandergrift. The building is being evacuated.
The derailment occurred on a Norfolk Southern rail line between Vandergrift and East Vandergrift.
Hazmat crews have been called to the scene, with at least one car suspected of carrying petroleum-based crude oil, according to Westmoreland County public safety officials.
No injuries have been reported.
