Train Derails In Western Maryland Near Harpers Ferry: Report

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD — After a train derailed from a bridge crossing the Potomac River Saturday morning, access is limited to some surrounding areas, including parts of Harpers Ferry National Park. The footbridge connected to the CSX railroad bridge will be closed indefinitely, according to the National Park Service.

Multiple freight cars fell into the river on the Maryland side near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. according to authorities.

The train derailed at 2:50 a.m., the Washington County Division of Emergency Services reported. There were no injuries, no hazardous spills and no danger to the public, officials said.

The conductor was the only one aboard the train, which was carrying grain when it went off the tracks, Fox 5 DC reported. According to the news station, two empty train cars fell into the Potomac River, and a footbridge was completely destroyed in the derailment.

Cleanup is underway in parts of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Here are the closures, according to the National Park Service:

• The footbridge attached to the CSX bridge will be closed indefinitely. Since it is part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, hikers should check with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for updates.
• The crossing between Harpers Ferry and the C&O Canal towpath is inaccessible.
• The crossing from Harpers Ferry to the Maryland Heights trail is inaccessible.
• The Point and John’s Brown Fort will be closed temporarily because of their proximity to the derailment and will reopen once cleanup is finished.

Drivers were advised to avoid Lower Town Harpers Ferry Saturday because of the number of emergency and construction vehicles in the area that were handling the derailment.