Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net
*UPDATED*
Taunton Fire Department Responds to Cargo Train Derailment, Fuel Spill
Approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel from an engine leaked onto the ground
Note: This version contains updated information.
TAUNTON – Fire Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw reports that the Taunton Fire Department responded to a cargo train derailment with a significant fuel spill that happened Wednesday morning.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the disabled train locomotive was still in the area and could potentially be there until Thursday.
“It appears the damage to the train was more substantial than initially thought,” Chief Bradshaw said. “I’ve been told by those working down on the tracks, that removing the engine and repairing the tracks may not be done until tomorrow.”
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will be bringing in equipment to remove as much of the contaminated soil as possible.
At approximately 7:49 a.m., the Taunton Fire Department received a report that a CSX train had derailed near Mazzone Boulevard. The only people aboard the train were the crew members and there were no reported injuries.
The front engine of the train went off the tracks, causing approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel from to leak out onto the ground. The rest of the train’s cars stayed on the tracks and were eventually removed. The train was hauling a variety of cargo.
The derailment occurred in a wooded area and there was threat to public safety. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
The Taunton Fire Department responded, along with the Taunton Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection hazardous materials unit.
The track that the train is on is for commercial use only and is not used by MBTA Commuter Rail trains. The track will be shut down while repairs are made and the locomotive is moved.
For further information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or CSX.
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