(The Associated Press distributed the following article on September 29.)
LESTER, W.Va. — About 60 tons of gravel that spilled in a train derailment was expected to be cleared by the end of the day Monday, said Mayor Kenneth Allen.
“Basically, the railroad tracks broke and two cars came off of the track as well as three engines,” Allen said.
The cause of the break that caused the derailment about 10:45 a.m. Sunday has not been determined by Norfolk and Southern investigators, Allen said.
“It is my understanding, that the tracks were replaced within the past two years,” the mayor said. “Now, due to the break, the crossing will once again have to be replaced.”
There were no injuries and no damage other than to the tracks, but the spilled gravel will have to be removed.
“There is an estimated load of 30 to 50 tons of gravel per car that was dumped,” Allen commented.