At least five cars of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed late Wednesday morning as it was leaving the rail yards on the west side of town heading east.
Clinton County Central Dispatch issued a statement saying the railroad crossings at Rossville Avenue as well as Bunnell Street will be closed for a few hours.
As of mid-afternoon Wednesday, the train had been split into at least three different sections with the lead engine sitting near the crossing of Columbia Street. The derailed cars had just crossed the Rossville crossing when they left the track. They are in an area between the crossing and the north-south crossing were the daily work train goes.
All of the cars, including a tanker, were still upright. However, one very large freight car was leaning severely. Also, a lot of track in that area was also torn up and will have to be replaced or fixed before it can be used again. At least half of the train was still sitting in the rail yard.
No injuries were reported. All motorists are encouraged the area and try to find another way to get through to the other side of town. At this time, it appears the best way is to get to either Jackson or Main streets and cross the tracks at that point.
