(The following story by Deanne Johnson appeared on The Morning Journal website on July 3.)
SALEM, Ohio — At least 20 train cars derailed in Salem after one train reportedly had to stop quickly and another train struck it from behind Wednesday evening.
Salem Police Chief Robert Floor said Norfolk Southern Railroad officials had counted at least 20 leaning cars on the freight trains, but none were overturned. Train traffic was stopped in one direction, while the two trains blocked virtually every crossing for automobile traffic leading into or out of Salem, leaving only the West State Street overpass clear.
Traffic from the south was being rerouted by Perry Township police onto the bypass, while the crossings at South Lincoln Avenue, Depot Road, New Garden Avenue and Pershing Street were all blocked.
No injuries were reported.
There were unconfirmed reports that a man had possibly taken pills and was lying on the tracks in a possible suicide attempt, but changed his mind and got off the tracks in time. The train’s driver reportedly attempted to stop quickly and the cars either came off at that time or when that train was struck from behind by the other train.
Floor was driving between crossings letting motorists know that the crossing would be closed for an indefinite amount of time. He also reportedly called Deputy Service and Safety Director Greg Oesch, who was driving in the area. At least one firetruck was out at a crossing, but extra police were not called in, according to Floor.
Residents in the area of the tracks all reported hearing a loud bang with one man claiming the sound shook the floor of his home nearby.