Another Norfolk Southern train derailed in Jasper on Saturday night, marking the third time one of its trains has gone off the rails in Alabama since January.
The Alabama derailments have occurred amid national scrutiny in the face of the railroad company.
Following a February 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a controlled burn of five derailed cars resulted in a spill of hazardous materials, including 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride. The company's safety practices have been under investigation since, and the DOJ is seeking relief and civil penalties. Norfolk Southern's CEO apologized before Congress last month and agreed to pay for damages.
A Norfolk Southern train derailed in Calhoun County in March. Another Norfolk Southern train derailed earlier this month in Shelby County near Helena.
According to reports, Saturday's derailment occurred off Old Russellville Road when 11 cars and the locomotive came off the tracks. The locomotive rolled on its side and spilled diesel fuel and engine oil. It also trapped several crew members inside the engine room, requiring assistance from first responders.
Two crew members received medical treatment at the hospital but have been released.
Norfolk Southern is headquartered in Atlanta and owns over 25,000 miles of railroad in the Eastern half of the United States. Several of its largest shareholders, such as Vanguard and BlackRock, have committed to investing with consideration of politically-charged Environmental, Social and Governance scores.
The company released a statement about the Jasper derailment to ABC 33/40 on Sunday morning. It said there were no reports of a hazmat situation or threat to the public. It also assured that Norfolk Southern personnel have been assisting with the cleanup and are taking steps to prevent more derailments in the future.
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