(The Reading Eagle posted the following story by Keith Mayer on its website on October 2.)
READING, Pa. — Two Norfolk Southern freight cars derailed Wednesday morning in Fleetwood, blocking two crossings and snarling traffic in and around the borough.
The derailment occurred shortly before 5 a.m. between the Richmond and Franklin streets crossings; both remained closed late Wednesday, officials said.
One car left the tracks, but stayed upright; the other car fell on its side, tearing up tracks and losing its trucks.
There were no injuries and no damage to property beside the Norfolk Southern tracks and equipment, officials said.
The cars were at the end of a 34-car train headed from Reading to Fogelsville, railroad company spokesman Rudy Husband said.
The cars were carrying paper and cardboard, and no cargo spilled.
The accident tore up 1,000 feet of track and closed both tracks in the borough, Husband said.
One track was opened by 10 a.m. and workers continued to repair the other late Wednesday, he said.
The train was going 42 mph in a 50-mph zone when the crash occurred, Husband said. The cause remained under investigation.
Traffic on Route 662, which is also known as Richmond Street, was diverted at Pricetown Road, officials said.
Police said they were using the Willow Street crossing to get into the portion of the borough that is east of the tracks.