Evacuations Lifted After CSX Derailment, 28 cars in Abbeville, SC Options

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WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC, 3/8:

Evacuations Lifted After Train Derailment, Chemical Spill In Abbeville Co.

ABBEVILLE COUNTY, S.C. -- Crews are on the scene working to clean up a chemical spill following a Thursday morning train derailment in Abbeville.

Nearby homes were evacuated after more than two dozen CSX train cars derailed around 5 a.m. at Redd and Hagler Streets, near Long Branch Street.

The evacuation has since been lifted for most and residents have been allowed to return to their homes, but are asked to stay indoors until further notice. The only residents not allowed back in include Redd and McBride streets, and Shop Hill Drive.

Continue.

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CSX CUSTOMER SERVICE BULLETIN

CSX Tracks Closed Temporarily Between Athens, Ga., and Abbeville, S.C.

March 8, 2012 - A mainline derailment at Abbeville, S.C., has resulted in the temporary shutdown of tracks between Athens, Ga., and Abbeville. Re-routes are being implemented, but customers with shipments on that line should expect delays of approximately 24-48 hours.

The train was traveling from Atlanta to Hamlet, N.C., when it derailed 28 cars early today. No injuries were reported, and all hazmat shipments are secure. Contractors are on site to begin re-railing operations and track will be restored as soon as possible.

An investigation into the cause of the derailment is under way.

The company's Customer Service Center is coordinating with affected shippers and receivers.

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WHNS-TV, Greenville, SC, 3/8:

28 train cars derail in Abbeville

ABBEVILLE, SC (AP/FOX Carolina) -
A train derailed Thursday morning while traveling through Abbeville, according to officials.

Abbeville Fire Department's Fire Chief Mason Speer said the derailment happened within the city limits on the south side of town about 4:30 a.m. and crews were evacuating within about a half mile from the crash, which happened near Haigler and Redd streets.

Speer said the evacuation area included an industrial area and Long Breach as well. Emergency officials said the only chemical leak reported was non-hazardous.

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Speer said his first crew on the scene backed out when their eyes started burning.

Complete story. w/ video and slide show links.