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MILFORD – Cleanup of a trail derailment west of Milford may take a week or more, according to a CSX rail worker at the scene Thursday evening.
A westbound train derailed late Wednesday night about 300 yards east of a crossing at CR 300W. The road, which becomes CR 15 at the Elkhart County line, is closed from CR 1350N to U.S. 6.
The rail worker, who declined to be identified, said the derailment caused damage to the rails and a significant portion of the track will have to be replaced. Wreckage from the accident remained at the site early this morning, but the undamaged portion of the trail was gone by Thursday evening. The CSX worker who spoke to the Times-Union said it might be a few days before the two engines and eight cars can be moved from the scene.
Crews were working on the rails Thursday evening as far east as the CR 200E crossing, and a CSX truck was parked at the crossing at CR 75E. The workers at CR 200E wouldn’t say if the work they were doing was related to the derailment or just taking advantage of the closed rail line to do some maintenance.
Thursday afternoon, a CSX spokesperson issued a statement that read: “CSX has begun clearing debris and railcars from the site (near) Nappanee where a westbound train derailed overnight during severe weather. We’ve determined a total of two locomotives and eight railcars carrying 32 intermodal containers derailed. No hazardous materials were involved in this incident. We’re also pleased to report that the two crew members have been released from the hospital after being treated for their injuries.”
