Train derailment blocks crossing in western Lucas Co.

7/3/2014
BLADE STAFF
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    Railroad crews work on the tracks where sixteen cars of an Norfolk Southern train derailed at a South Crissey Road crossing.

    The Blade/Katie Rausch
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  • Railroad crews work on the tracks where sixteen cars  of an Norfolk Southern train derailed at a South Crissey Road crossing.
    Railroad crews work on the tracks where sixteen cars of an Norfolk Southern train derailed at a South Crissey Road crossing.

    Sixteen cars derailed today on an eastbound Norfolk Southern train at a South Crissey Road crossing in western Lucas County, which could close the damaged road for at least a week, officials said.

    There were no injuries at the site, which occurred about 8:25 a.m. on Norfolk Southern tracks at Crissey near Old Airport Highway, on the border between Spencer and Springfield townships, according to the Lucas County Sheriff‘‍s Office.

    PHOTO GALLERY: Norfolk Southern train derailment

    The train was carrying sand that is used in the fracking industry, but the derailed cars contained no hazardous materials.
    The train was carrying sand that is used in the fracking industry, but the derailed cars contained no hazardous materials.

    The train was carrying sand that is used in the fracking industry, and the derailed cars contained no hazardous materials, said Springfield Township Fire Chief Barry Cousino.

    Four of the derailed cars remained upright, while the other 12 piled up on and west of the Crissey Road crossing. When asked if any traffic was waiting at the crossing, the fire chief said, “fortunately not that we are aware of; it‘‍s amazing because usually they are backed up there.”

    Officials did evacuate within 800 feet of the derailment because they wanted to determine what was leaking from a tank car in the detrailment. The substance turned out to be vegetable oil, and individuals were to be returned to the few residences and businesses in the area shortly, the chief said.

    Crissey Road was damaged and could be closed for up to a week, he said.

    Airport Highway was not affected and remained open to traffic.

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