No injuries were reported as a result of a train derailment in downtown Oconee that occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on Monday, August 16.
According to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran, a Norfolk Southern train was traveling west, and derailed an estimated 32 train cars on Central Drive in Oconee.
As of Monday morning, Central Drive in Oconee remained completely blocked.
Sheriff Cochran provided an update at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, August 16, explaining that Norfolk Southern was working diligently and aggressively to clear the roadway and the train tracks.
According to a representative from Norfolk Southern, personnel and contractors with Norfolk Southern are working with local responders to coordinate cleanup and recovery efforts.
“Crews are determined to have all passages, including the railway, open by early Tuesday morning,” said Washington County Sheriff Cochran.
The representative from Norfolk Southern explained that the westbound mixed-freight train was traveling from Columbia, South Carolina to Macon, Georgia when the incident occurred.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation, according to Norfolk Southern.
Washington County Sheriff Cochran is asking the public to use caution when traveling in this area.
Photos courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
