A train carrying a hazardous chemical has derailed in Falmouth in Pendleton County, forcing the evacuation of an elementary school along with a portion of town, according to city leaders and various reports.
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The derailment happened around mid-morning.
Moore says officials took the actions as a precaution while hazmat crews assess the situation at the scene. They also were evacuating Southern Elementary School.
USA 27 in Falmouth is closed in both directions.
“Only relief aircraft operations under direction of Pendleton County Police are authorized in the airspace”, the flight restriction states.
No injuries have been reported at this time, but several residents have lost electricity.
“Everything we’ve done at this point as far as evacuations has all been precautionary”, Peoples said.
The cause of the derailment wasn’t immediately released Wednesday.
Dispatchers said as many as 22 railcars of a 125-car CSX train en route to Atlanta from Cincinnati were off the tracks near the Woodson Street crossing in Falmouth just after 10:30 a.m.
“CSX’s first priority is the safety of first responders, employees and the public”, Cost said in an email.
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Peoples couldn’t confirm what, if any, hazardous substances are on the train.
