A train derailment caused a chemical leak and sent two rail workers to the hospital in Wabash County, Illinois, on Friday night.
A total of 24 cars derailed, Norfolk Southern said, with two of them damaged and leaking sulfur. The derailment triggered an emergency response involving local, state, and federal agencies, Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge told Newsweek in an email Saturday.
Norfolk Southern told Newsweek in an emailed statement on Saturday that the workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Newsweek has reached out to the Wabash County Sheriff, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Homeland Security via email during non-working hours Saturday for more information.
Why It Matters
Train derailments can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, and sometimes even deadly. The latest train derailment shut down roadways, airspace and required a Hazmat response, Judge told Newsweek.
The potential impacts of being exposed to sulfur range from mild irritation to life-threatening conditions.
This is not the first time a Norfolk Southern train has derailed, causing issues. In 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, derailed with 38 cars coming off the tracks, 11 of which were carrying toxic chemicals. The derailment sparked a large fire, sending toxic gases into the atmosphere and prompting the evacuation of nearly 5,000 people.
What To Know
Friday’s train derailment between Browns and Bellmont near Illinois Route 15 resulted in a “significant hazardous materials spill,” according to Judge.
Crews on Saturday continued to remove damaged rail cars from the site, Judge told Newsweek. Hazmat teams determined that leaked substances included liquid sulfur and other chemicals. Witnesses said they observed white smoke rising from the area shortly after the derailment, local television station WFIE reported.
The derailment drew crews from multiple fire departments—including Browns, Albion, Bellmont, Mt. Carmel, and MABAS 47, along with the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security.
It also shutdown roadways in the area and prompted a no-fly zone, according to the mayor, who added that the roads have since been reopened.
Residents near the derailment were advised to evacuate temporarily as a precaution, but authorities later noted there was no widespread evacuation order in place.
The situation was “contained” as of 5 a.m. local time, according to Judge.
What People Are Saying
Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge told Newsweek in an email Saturday: “Homeland Security are still on scene while damaged cars are removed for safety precautions.”
Norfolk Southern said in a statement emailed to Newsweek Saturday: “One of our trains traveling through Browns, Illinois, derailed shortly before 7:00 p.m. July 18. Initial assessments indicate 24 cars derailed, resulting in leaks from two cars carrying molten Sulphur. There is no danger to the public. Two crew members were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Our team is working closely with local first responders to safely manage and mitigate the incident.”
What Happens Next?
The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined.
Local authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to conduct a full investigation as the site is secured, and clean-up concludes.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) continues to monitor air quality on-scene and no threat to the general public has been declared.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert to official updates and follow all safety directives.
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