(The following story by Joyce Russell appeared on the Munster Times website on December 21.)
PORTAGE, Ind. — A freight train derailed Friday morning forcing officials to close westbound U.S. 12 for about two hours and causing some minor delays along for South Shore commuters. No injuries were reported.
Portage police reported 15 to 20 train cars derailed on Norfolk Southern tracks about 6:40 in the area of U.S. 12 just east of the bridge entrance to Midwest Steel.
The train was being pulled by three engines and the third was off the tracks along with the freight cars, most of which were flat beds carrying semi trailers.
Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District spokesman John Parsons said just one westbound train — 112 — was stopped and was prevented from going through the area.
Passengers on that train were returned to their stations while emergency crews assessed the damage. The South Shore was able to use equipment in Gary to the west of the derailment to pick up passengers for the 112 train.
Emergency crews determined it was safe for South Shore trains to run again and Train 14 from South Bend was OK’d to run through the area. It was running about 20 minutes late.
NICTD officials said afternoon trains should be running on time.
Officials at the scene said two Amtrak trains that run from Michigan to Chicago that run on the affected Norfolk Southern lines will be switched to South Shore lines.
Westbound lanes of U.S. 12 had been closed to traffic. One westbound lane was reopened just before 9 a.m.
Hazardous materials crews were on the scene, but said there was no danger to the public. They were monitoring possible leakage of diesel fuel from the engines.
South Shore passengers can check train schedules and get further updates at www.nictd.com or call (800) 356-2079.