The Saturday night train derailment behind the Cobblestone Square apartment complex that damaged multiple garages prompted Fredericksburg officials to arrange a meeting for CSX Transportation to address the community publicly.
The briefing will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Virginia Railway Express gravel lot near behind VRE Parking Lots G & H (entrance to the lot is at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street.)
Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine said in a statement that the derailment “was a concerning event for our small city.”
“It has reminded us all of worries over national railroad safety here in our home community,” Devine said. “We all want to know what has happened and how our residents and visitors can remain safe.”
Devine’s statement thanked the public safety professionals who responded to the incident, including mutual aid partners in Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. No one was injured during the incident, and no hazardous materials were in the derailed cars.
Devine said Fredericksburg officials are urging a “transparent and accountable investigation” and have been in contact with federal and state legislators as well as the Federal Railroad Administration, VRE, CSX officials and the apartment complex management.
“My fellow councilors and I expect an investigation into how this derailment occurred and will continue to work to ensure that our community remains safeguarded against future emergencies along our rail lines,” Devine said.
Devine encouraged residents to visit Fredericksburgva.gov for more information and additional updates. She also reminded residents to subscribe to emergency alerts by visiting Fredericksburgalert.com.
