CFD Responds To Assist With Train Derailment

The Chattanooga Fire Department is assisting with a train derailment in Collegedale. It happened Tuesday afternoon (12/20/22) at Apison Pike and University Drive. Chattanooga companies on scene: Battalion Chief for District 1, Battalion Chief for District 2, Special Operations Division, CFD Hazmat Team (L1 and Squad 1). Personnel are trying to stop a diesel and lube oil leak from two of the locomotives. No other hazardous materials are involved at this time. A number of different agencies are working this incident. Photos from BC2 Schroyer. Two Norfolk Southern employees were left with minor injuries, according to Hamilton County EMA.

From TDOT: At approximately 12:30 pm ET, a train hit a bridge beam being delivered to the SR 317 (Apison Pike) reconstruction project, resulting in a derailment near the intersection of Apison Pike and University Drive. Both roads are closed at this time and will remain closed until a crash investigation has been completed and the incident has been cleared. TDOT, Norfolk Southern, and emergency responders are on the scene. Consider an alternate route through the area, if possible. This will be a lengthy closure.

From Hamilton County EMA: This afternoon, Norfolk Southern train slams into a tractor trailer carrying a 134 foot concrete truss beam in Collegedale, TN. At 12:30 pm, a motorist calls 911 reporting a train derailment located at Apison Pike and University Drive.

Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and Collegedale Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed a large train derailment. Tri-Community VFD requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower and hazardous materials clean up efforts. Hamilton County HazMat team m, Hamilton Co. Rescue and Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the scene.

According to fire officials, the driver of the tractor trailer was stopped on the railroad tracks waiting for the light to turn green on Tucker Road. During that time, Norfolk Southern railroad activated its crossing arms. The tractor trailer was unsuccessful of clearing the railroad tracks and was hit by the train. Three locomotives and 10 railroad cars derailed and slammed into each other causing a disastrous mess! Two Norfolk employees sustained minor injuries and were transported to local area hospitals by HCEMS.

Hamilton County Hazmat team, Chattanooga Fire Department and Tri-Community VFD used absorbent booms and pads to assist with the large diesel spill for the three locomotives.

Highway 58 VFD, Catoosa County FD, and Chattanooga Fire Department stood by at Tri-Community fire stations for any additional emergency calls in their district.

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