Comparative Rail Safety

[Nan Yang]

Norfolk Southern train derails in DeKalb County near Battelle​

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in DeKalb County(DeKalb County EMA/ Michael Posey)

By WAFF 48 Digital Staff and Savannah Sapp
Published: Aug. 18, 2023 at 9:41 AM PDT|Updated: Aug. 18, 2023 at 1:48 PM PDT

BATTELLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Five train cars derailed in northern DeKalb County near the Georgia state line at approximately 9:30 a.m Friday.

The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency confirms Norfolk Southern officials were on the scene investigating the incident. The cars derailed between Battelle and Valley Head on County Road 759, 1.5 miles southwest of the Alabama/Georgia state line.

According to DeKalb County EMA deputy director, Michael Posey, the derailment involved a southbound train in the rural part of DeKalb County. He says that the cars were not carrying hazardous materials, however, they were carrying medical-grade plastics and sand products.
DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency said they received initial notice of the incident from Valley Head Fire Department and dispatched personnel along with situation assessment access including drone operations.

Norfolk Southern train derailment in Battelle(DeKalb County EMA/ Michael Posey)

Since the derailment happened in a rural part of the county near the Georgia line, it does not pose any safety threats.

Norfolk Southern is working to clear the cars right now.

According to Norfolk Southern, the derailment involved four overturned cars and one upright car. There were no injuries and no spills.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency says they will continue to monitor the recovery and provide any additional details necessary.

Norfolk Southern says they are not sure what caused the incident and will continue to investigate.

WAFF 48 has a crew on the way to the scene. Watch this afternoon at 4 p.m. for more information.