CHESAPEAKE, Va. — An investigation is underway after several cars from a freight train derailed in southern Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Fire Department said.
The accident happened around 3:20 p.m. as the train passed through Chesapeake, north of Mt. Pleasant Road. That's where authorities said five cars derailed. The cars did remain upright, but caused significant damage to the rail line between Mt. Pleasant Road and Fentress Road.
The train had been heading from the South Norfolk Rail Yard to Elizabeth City, carrying rock, plastic, and cement cargo. The five cars that derailed had been empty at the time of the incident, however, so no products or hazardous material were released.
Firefighters said nobody was hurt and there were no environmental impacts.
The rail line, which is owned and operated by the Chesapeake & Albemarle Rail Line, will remain out of service for an unknown amount of time while repairs are made.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the derailment.
