Tankers in New York freight train derailment were empty

Posted by Lourie Helzer on Friday, June 28, 2024

Authorities confirmed that the tankers being hauled on a freight train, that derailed in New York, were empty.

Earlier in the day, authorities were concerned that the train was hauling residuals of fuel.

Several tanker cars derailed Friday around 7:52 a.m. in Cranesville near Amsterdam, according authorities.

No injuries were reported due to the wreckage.

Montgomery County Undersheriff Carl J. Rust spoke following the crash.

Visually, nothing from these tankers is leaking... The cause of the derailment is unknown... There is no material in the road.

There were no evacuations to the area, the sheriff added.

The train was pulling a total of 157 cars.

The scene in Cranesville is near Route 5 and Avery Road.

Officials said there is no threat to the public at this time.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office confirmed that State Highway 5 in the Town of Amsterdam is closed eastbound from Swart Hill Road to the County Line. Route 5 opened in the westbound direction just after noon.

Clean up efforts at the scene could take up to two days.

WRGB learned that both the engineer and conductor have been interviewed and investigators are looking into a possible switch malfunction.

Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement on Friday morning.

I have been briefed on the train derailment in Montgomery County where several tanker cars came off the tracks this morning and have directed State personnel to provide all necessary assistance to local emergency response officials. The New York State Police, Office of Fire Prevention and Control and Department of Transportation officials are onsite to monitor the situation, assist with the response and manage traffic. At this time, there are no injuries reported and no spills have been detected. Rail traffic has been stopped which will impact Amtrak passenger service, and Route 5 has been closed in both directions. Our top priority is ensuring all railroad workers and nearby motorists are safe and that Amtrak service is restored as quickly as possible.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmp5mknryvedaoqaWcX6m%2ForXNZpueqpGeubR5yKdkp52nYsawvspmmqWno567qHnPqKmtoZ%2BjerCyjKyrmqyVYrWqs8ewmLJlZWK6sLrToKamnaKueqS71KersmWTp66vsdKvoKWklWLBsMPNZqafZZGiwLWx0Z2YpmWjrK6zwIyhoKWkXae8orA%3D