Train tracks are back in service in Halifax County days after a CSX train derailed near Enfield, canceling Amtrak train routes across the East Coast, including some routes to and from Raleigh.
A CSX spokesperson said the train derailed 28 loaded coal cars on a passenger service route east of West Franklin Street in Enfield around 4 p.m. on Sunday. On Monday morning, coal cars still covered the tracks and crews were still there working to clean up the mess.
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The tracks were back in service Wednesday morning.
An Amtrak spokesperson said several trains were canceled on Monday, including:
- Auto Train: 52 & 53
- Silver Meteor Service: 97 & 98
- Floridian: 40 & 41
Amtrak's Carolinian Train 79 (running between New York and Charlotte) and Palmetto Trains 89 and 90 (running between New York and Savannah) were back to operating on schedule on Tuesday.
Enfield Mayor Mondale Robinson said the derailment happened outside of the city limits of Enfield.
No one was hurt, and the derailment did not impact any waterways or release harmful toxins, according to CSX, which said "there is no threat to the surrounding community."
Sky 5 flew overhead at 7 a.m. on Monday. Coal cars still covered the tracks, and crews were working to clean up the mess. A bulldozer was being used to clear parts of train cars from the tracks.
One woman in Rocky Mount said she could miss her daughter's wedding because of the derailment.
"It hurts me because I am in the wedding and I won't be able to attend unless I find another way to Greensboro," said Donna Henry.
According to Amtrak's website, all routes from Washington, D.C., to Raleigh were canceled on Monday. At least 11 routes from Miami to New York were canceled due to the derailment, according to Amtrak Alerts.
CSX provided WRAL with a statement.
At approximately 4:07 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 17, a CSX train derailed 28 loaded coal cars on the mainline used for passenger service located east of West Franklin Street in Enfield, North Carolina. Halifax County Emergency officials were notified and immediately responded. There were no injuries reported, there was no hazmat leaks or spills, and there is no threat to the surrounding community. CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.