(The following story by Tara Fasol-Chambers appeared on The Southern Illinoisan website on August 3, 2009.)
JOHNSTON CITY, Ill. — A Union Pacific train did significant damage to the railroad track running through downtown in Johnston City Monday morning.
City fire chief Girolamo Intravaia said the department did not request any mutual aid to deal with the situation, and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Intravaia, however, said it did leave its mark.
“It did a lot of damage,” he said. “It totally destroyed the tracks all the way through town.”
Intravaia said the train appeared to have lost a part en route through Johnston City and the piece was dragged underneath the train, tearing up concrete and tracks for several miles.
Mark Davis, an Illinois spokesperson for Union Pacific Railroad did not return phone calls placed by The Southern Illinoisan Monday.
Marion Police Department dispatchers confirmed the train never derailed.
The intersection of the tracks and Broadway Street in Johnston City has been closed to train and vehicle traffic until repairs can be made.