Train derailment on Detroit’s southwest side prompts HAZMAT situation

No injuries reported

DETROIT – More than a dozen train cars have derailed near Clark Avenue just north of Toledo Street in Detroit.

ORIGINAL STORY: Train cars derail, fall over near Clark Avenue in Detroit

Video shows about 15 cars derailed along a track curve. Police said five of the cars, the tankers, contain hazardous materials, prompting a HAZMAT response.

Officials from the Detroit Fire Department claim there is no danger to the public as crews investigate the situation.

“They don’t really pose any danger,” said DFD deputy commissioner Dave Fornell.

The railroad company, Canadian National Railway, said the majority of the cars were transferring new automobiles. Detroit fire officials claim five train cars contained some kind of residue that could be considered hazardous materials.

“There isn’t any danger,” Fornell said. “There are five cars that had hazardous materials, but they are now empty.”

Police said there are no injuries to report.

The investigation is ongoing.

Canadian National Railway released the following statement:

“Canadian National crews are responding to an incident involving a Canadian National train that occurred this morning in South-West Detroit. Preliminary information indicates that approximately 15 railcars derailed in multiple positions shutting down vehicular traffic on Scotten Ave. At this time, there are no injuries, no fires and no loaded railcars carrying dangerous goods reported to be involved.

Canadian National would like to thank first responders present at the scene of the incident and would also like to apologize for the inconvenience caused.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation."

The city of Detroit released the following statement:

"This morning, a Canadian National freight train enroute to Toledo derailed on the Conrail railroad tracks in the area of 2525 Clark Street south of Michigan Avenue in southwest Detroit. Per the Detroit Fire Department, five of the 12 overturned rail cars were marked as being flammable materials containers, however all five were empty at the time of the incident. As a result, the Detroit Fire Department Hazmat Unit declared the incident as a Level 1 - no hazardous material. At this time there are no reports of any injuries and DFD has determined there is no health risk to residents in the area.

Several of the derailed cars are on elevated tracks spanning Scotten and Vinewood. Until the derailment has been cleared, the city has closed these streets between Michigan Avenue and Brandon as a safety precaution. Personnel from Conrail are on site to manage the process of safely clearing the derailment, a process that is expected to take several hours."


About the Authors:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.