CSX coal train derails in New Kent County, Virginia

A freight train operated by CSX Transportation derailed near Providence Forge in New Kent County, Virginia at approximately 3:10 p.m. October 25th, involving two locomotives and 53 coal-car loads, according to the company. The incident resulted in diesel fuel leakage from the locomotives and an environmental-impact response involving containment measures in coordination with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Although there were no reported injuries, the derailment disrupted rail traffic, with at least nine of the cars re-railed and removed as recovery operations commenced through the night. 

In the wake of the accident, passenger rail service operated by Amtrak was affected: train numbers 96, 99, and 124 between Richmond and Newport News were canceled or replaced by bus service pending track restoration. A bridge structure was reportedly “taken out” during the derailment, which compounded the disruption and extended clearance and repair timelines. 

Containment teams deployed equipment to recover spilled diesel fuel and mitigate further environmental damage to wetlands adjacent to the tracks, and rail-recovery crews used specialized track-maintenance machinery (spike-puller and anchor spreader) to restore the right-of-way. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by CSX and regulatory authorities.