(The following story by Robert Bryan appeared on the Wabash Plain Dealer website on March 6.)
WABASH, Ind. — Norfolk Southern crews have a huge task on their hands in cleaning up some spectacular wreckage west of Wabash where about 18 cars derailed and stacked up Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. in a stretch of track just east of Aleris (Wabash Alloys) and a hundred yards or so from the Mill Street extended crossing.
The derailment came only in the middle of the train: The engine and end cars of the 25-car train remained on the track. At least in the opening hours it tied up no intersections or caused traffic disruption.
Nor were any railroad personnel injured, and there were no hazardous materials to take extra precaution about. Emergency works at the scene found spilled such items as soap and shampoo.
At least initially, investigators said nothing about the probable cause of the crash, if they knew.
Investigating were the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the Wabash County Emergency Management Agency.