Train derails in collision with tri-axle truck in Somerset Township, closing part of Route 281
The collision caused the train to derail near the intersection of Route 281 and Culligan Road northeast of Somerset Borough, according to Somerset County Emergency Management Agency Director Joel Landis.
Landis said first responders were urging drivers to avoid the area so cleanup work can continue. He said work at the scene was expected to continue at least through midnight. The road was expected to remain closed at least until Tuesday morning.
The truck driver and two employees of the CSX railroad were injured in the incident and were transported from the scene to a hospital, Landis said.
The accident could have been worse, Landis added. Four tank cars were marked for corn syrup, but each was empty, he said.
Fuel oil spilled from the locomotive, but a Somerset County hazardous materials crew was at the scene working to address the issue and eliminate the spillage threatening Wells Creek.
'There is no immediate risk to the community,' emergency officials wrote in a Facebook alert.
Detours were already in place redirecting drivers away from the crash scene. Landis said drivers should plan ahead to take different routes and avoid the area while the road is closed.
A large overhead crane will be needed at the accident scene to lift derailed portions of the train, he said.
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