TRAIN DERAILMENT
No propane leaks found during North Hoosick train derailment incident
NORTH HOOSICK, N.Y. >> A freight train derailment was reported at about 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in North Hoosick.
County officials said the derailment included several propane tankers, with no injuries reported. A review of the situation late in the evening found no leaks, and that there is no threat to public health or safety at this time.
The derailment caused several cars to leave the track. Crews were on the scene responding to the situation, and removal of the cars may take a few days.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said he was thankful the derailment was contained to a limited area and also appreciative of what he termed an “outstanding” response from federal, state, county, and local officials.
“There was no injury or loss of life, and public health and safety are not in jeopardy. This is an accident that could have been much worse, and we were fortunate things turned out as they did,” said McLaughlin.
The derailment prompted a response from federal, state, county and local emergency service responders, including the North Hoosick Fire Department, Hoosick Falls Fire Department, State Police, Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety, Department of Environmental Conservative, Department of Transportation, Troy Fire Department hazardous materials personnel, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s office and Governor Cuomo’s office, along with others.
“A freight train derailed outside of Hoosick Falls [ Wednesday night] causing three propane tank-
— Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin “There was no injury or loss of life, and public health and safety are not in jeopardy. This is an accident that could have been muchworse, and wewere fortunate things turned out as they did.”
ers to derail and roll over,” Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday night. “While there are no reports of injuries or leaks, surrounding homes in the immediate vicinity have been evacuated as an emergency precaution.
“State emergency personnel, including State Police and environmental and health officials, have been deployed to the scene to ensure the safety of the community. In addition, the State Department of Transportation has an inspector onsite and is supporting the investigation into the cause of the accident.”
North Hoosick Fire Chief Alan Bornt said in a statement that the fire dept. was dispatched 7:15 p.m. and found 5 cars on a 79 car train that was beginning to move on the Vermont west line derailed.
Bornt said three of the cars were 32,000 gallon propane cars and 2 grain cars. The fire department said it immediately set up an Incident Command a half a mile mile from the site, and sent a crew to access the scene.
Bornt said that fire companies from Buskirk, Hoosick, Johnsonville, and West Hoosick were put on stand by while Hoosick Falls relocated to the North Hoosick Fire station.Bornt added that evacuation was placed in effect for 4 homes on the Junction Road.
“Several agencies were called in from various resources to assist. The situation could have been a lot worse. Evacuations would have been placed a lot further out. Safety of all people was the top priority,” Bornt said in a statement posted online.
“I want to thank all involved for a strong and effective response to this serious accident, and for working to protect residents and contain the situation. From NHFD Chief Alan Bornt and his crews, to State Police and other state agencies, and county personnel led by BPS Director Jay Wilson, there was a strong partnership in place to keep residents and nearby homes safe,” added McLaughlin in a statement.
Cuomo said state officials will continue to work with everyone to address the issue.
“We will continue to coordinate with local officials and mobilize any other resources necessary to address this incident,” Cuomo said in the statement. “The safety of New Yorkers is our number one priority.”
McLaughlin said he has been informed heavy equipment needed to clear the tracks has been secured. Officials noted that removal of the cars involvement in the train derailment could take days.
Acommand post has been established at the North Hoosick Fire Department.