BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Authorities say a train derailment in eastern Pennsylvania Saturday morning left several train cars along a riverbank and at least one partially in the river itself.
Dispatchers in Northampton County said the derailment was reported at 7:14 a.m. in Lower Saucon Township. Authorities said it was unclear how many cars were involved, but no injuries or hazardous materials were reported.
In a social media post, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure also said preliminary information indicated there were “no evacuations, no injuries and no spills,” but that could change and “the best we can do to to help first responders is to STAY AWAY.”
The Nancy Run Fire Company posted photos of several train cars scattered along the riverbank and at least one partially in the water.
Gary Weiland, who lives across the river in Bethlehem Township, told The (Allentown) Morning Call that he initially heard what sounded like a crash, then a period of silence followed by the sound of another crash.
“While the second one was happening, I went upstairs, looked out the window and saw a splash. I said to my wife, ‘I think a train has derailed,'” Weiland said.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the derailment.
Norfolk Southern said in a statement that its crews and contractors were on scene “and working with first responders to assess.” The company also praised “the quick, professional response of local emergency services.”