Coal train derailment in New Kent raises environmental concerns near Chickahominy River

A freight train operated by CSX Transportation derailed in New Kent County, Virginia around 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, October 25 2025, involving two locomotives and 53 coal-laden cars, with the incident occurring between Roxbury Road and South Mountcastle Road near the Chickahominy River watershed. 

The derailment caused multiple coal cars and locomotives to leave the track and enter adjacent wetlands, prompting deployment of environmental containment measures to address a diesel fuel leak from the locomotives. No hazardous cargo was reported, and no injuries were confirmed. 

Rail service disruptions followed, with Amtrak train operations between Richmond and Newport News cancelled or substituted by bus service as recovery and rerailing efforts commenced. 

Recovery operations included rerailing nine cars overnight and restoring the right-of-way, with CSX coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to monitor fuel containment and ecosystem impact.

The spill into wetlands and close proximity to the river basin raise concerns among environmental engineers and regulators about coal dust dispersion, soil and water contamination, and impacts to riparian habitats along the Chickahominy River system.