Crews work to clear train derailment near Lofty
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SENTINEL PHOTO - Coal hoppers and boxcars lie overturned, and axles sit separated from their cars as crews work to clear a train derailment on June 28, 2018.
By Kaylee Lindenmuth
LOFTY – Oversized load tractor trailers and marked vehicles from the Reading, Blue Mountain, and Northern Railroad crowded the area of a railroad crossing near Lofty, just short of the Kline Township line in Delano Township Thursday afternoon, as crews worked to clear a train derailment.
The derailment occurred around 6:00pm Wednesday evening, visible from Interstate 81’s northbound lanes at an overpass near mile marker 136.
A passerby reported the incident to the Schuylkill County Communications Center, and fire crews were dispatched from Delano and Ryan Townships, though they were cancelled en route.
At least two coal hoppers were overturned, one boxcar sat in an embankment, and another connected to it nearly overturned.
The rails at the crash site were also damaged.
Crews and equipment from Terra Railroad Services were present and working to recover the railroad cars just after 2:00pm Thursday.
No word on if anyone was injured or on the exact extent of the damage.
About Author
