3 train cars carrying corn derail into canal in downtown Richmond

Richmond

Dock Street, Capital Trail closed as CSX work to stabilize derailed train cars

WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff

RICHMOND, Va. — Three train cars carrying corn derailed into the canal in downtown Richmond Friday afternoon, according to the Richmond Fire Department and CSX.

The derailment happened around 4 p.m. on the tracks near the intersection of Dock and 20th Streets. Three cars out of the approximately 200-car train derailed into the canal. Two additional cars and two distributed power units also derailed, but remain on the tracks as of about 6 p.m.

DRONE VIDEO: 3 train cars derail into canal in Richmond

RFD is responding, with an immediate goal to stabilize the train.

All of the train's cars are carrying grain, RFD said. A CBS 6 crew on scene saw corn pouring onto the ground below from a car stopped on the track.

WTVR

No injuries have been reported, and no hazardous materials have spilled, RFD said.

The following detours have been established as crews work to stabilize the train and clean up the area.

• Dock Street is closed from 18th Street to Pear Street. Drivers should use E. Cary Street or E. Main Street.
• The Capital Trail is closed from 18th Street to Pear Street. People walking, riding, or rolling should use E. Cary Street.
• The lower level of the parking lot at 2100 Canal Street is closed. All other parking lots in the area are open and accessible.

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Neighbor describes watching train cars fall into canal

A Shockoe Bottom resident who witnessed the derailment firsthand described a frightening scene unfolding just steps from his front door. Ian Noll said he was walking his dog when the derailment happened.

"I live right up here and I was walking my dog. I was taking her out and as I walked out of the apartment, I heard a loud bang and I looked left and I saw the train cars falling through the air into the into the canal," Noll said.

Noll said he heard the impact even through noise-canceling headphones.

"I had noise-canceling headphones in, and I heard it over that loud enough where I was like, you live close to this, you get used to the normal train brake sounds and clanking and whatnot, but that was a distinct, this isn't a normal bang and sure as crap, it wasn't," Noll said.

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He said the force of the impact sent water surging from the canal.

"The water came up about almost halfway up the hill of 21st from Dock Street from all the train cars hitting the water," Noll said.

Despite the dramatic scene, Noll said the outcome could have been far worse.

"Luckily it was corn," Noll said. "Could have been a lot worse for sure ... thank God nobody was hurt or anything like that, but it was impressive to see."

This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.