(The Charlotte Observer posted the following story on its website on July 3.)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nine cars of a CSX train — including one hauling sulphuric acid — derailed Wednesday afternoon near Polkton in Anson County.
The train was traveling from Hamlet to industries in the surrounding area with three locomotives and 76 cars when something caused the cars to come off the track about 5:15 p.m., CSX spokesman Bob Sullivan said. The cause of the derailment was not known Wednesday night.
Three of the cars fell down an embankment. Five were piled up on the side of the track. The car carrying the acid lost its wheels during the derailment but landed upright beside the track, Sullivan said.
“It is not leaking,” he said. “There’re no leaks. There’re no injuries.”
Still, Anson County sheriff’s deputies evacuated about 50 people from the area as a precaution. Residents were later allowed to return to their homes.
CSX crews were sent to clean up the site and reopen the track as soon as it was safe. Sullivan didn’t know how long that would take.