Update, 5:45 p.m.: In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) stated that it doesn’t expect any impact on a.m. service related to Saturday’s derailment.
“We plan to operate on a regular schedule Monday morning,” the statement reads.
Update, 1 p.m.: Shortly after members of the Fredericksburg Fire Department responded to 420 Cobblestone Dr. Saturday night, they noticed a large hole in the concrete sound wall bordering the train tracks. It was caused by five cars from a CSX freight train that had derailed and barreled into four garages, collapsing one of the structures.
According to a press release from Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones, units from the city, Stafford and Spotsylvania and counties responded around 9 p.m., with Fredericksburg setting up command on the scene.
“CSX was notified to stop all freight and commuter rail traffic in both directions, and property maintenance for Cobblestone was contacted,” Jones said in the release. “Units confirmed there were no injuries on scene. Command met with the train conductor who advised none of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous goods.”
After leaving the tracks, the train cars punched through a sound wall and demolished a garage. (submitted photo)
Two of the train cars had been removed as of Sunday morning, said Jones, and the other three should be removed throughout the day.
A full investigation of the incident is expected, and the city has been in contact with both CSX and the Federal Railroad Administration, the release stated.
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-7th) posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday night, writing: “My team and I are closely monitoring this situation, the damage, and the cause of this evening’s reported train derailment in Fredericksburg as more information is made available.”
Update, 7 a.m.: CSX has issued a statement on the derailment. “At approximately 9 p.m. a CSX train derailed several rail cars near Cobblestone Dr. in Fredricksburg, VA.,” the statement reads. “A garage structure adjacent to the rail line was impacted by the incident. No hazardous materials were involved and there are no reports of injuries.
“CSX appreciates the swift response of the Fredricksburg City first responders. The safety of response personnel and the surrounding community is our top priority as we coordinate with the responding agencies to secure the site and develop a recovery plan. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
Original story:
A CSX freight train derailed in the 400 block of Cobblestone Drive on Saturday night, with five cars going off the track and striking several garages and causing damage to more than one vehicle.
State Del. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg) said that he spoke to Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones on the scene and was told that authorities don’t believe there were any injuries and that the cars in question did not contain hazardous materials.
While the nearby area contains several apartment buildings, images from the scene appeared to show a garage partially collapsed from the collision.
According to a Facebook post from the Fredericksburg Police Department, “There is no threat to the general public. Police and fire are on scene and we are asking the public to please avoid the area at this time. We will provide another update once the scene is clear.”
Cole said that CSX will be tasked with handling clean-up once fire and rescue have cleared the scene.
(This is a developing story.)
