Thirty rail cars on a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Pell City Friday night. No one was injured in the incident. 

According to a press release from the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the train departed Birmingham and was traveling eastbound. Totaling five locomotives and 121 rail cars, it derailed at the Truss Ferry Road crossing in Pell City shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday. 

Sodium chlorate, which is used in the production of white paper, was leaked from two of the derailed cars and a HAZMAT team is onsite, said Marc Willis, deputy director of public affairs for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). While the product is classified as hazardous, according to the St. Clair County EMA, the leak does not pose a threat to the public or environment.

The rail crossing at Truss Ferry Road will remain closed to vehicle traffic for several days.  Travelers are advised by the City of Pell City to access these areas via Golf Course Road until further notice.

Since the derailment, the first responders of Pell City have worked closely with Norfolk Southern to coordinate a safe and effective cleanup of the accident scene, according to Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger.  

Norfolk Southern personnel and local emergency responders worked through the night on Friday, and by 9 p.m. Saturday, trains were able to pass on the repaired rail, Muenger stated.

Norfolk Southern continues to perform cleanup and repair in the area, Muenger said, including the replacement and repair of the Truss Ferry Road crossing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the Pell City Fire Department, Police Department, Street Department, St. Clair County EMA, and Norfolk Southern for their exceptional response to this situation,” Muenger said. 

Besides the two carrying sodium chlorate, the rail cars contained a mix of products including steel, lumber and pulp board, the St. Clair County EMA release states.

Muenger said additional information regarding the reopening of the crossing will be provided as it becomes available.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation by the FRA and other applicable authorities.