CSX Train Carrying Sulfuric Acid and Iron Ore Derails Near Elkton Maryland

February 22nd, 2013 |

CECIL COUNTY, MD. — A CSX train traveling from Selkirk, N.Y., to Hamlet N.C. carrying sulfuric acid, derailed in Cecil County, Maryland near the city of Elkton just before midnight on Wednesday, Feb.20. Aside from two rail cars full of acid, the train was also carrying cars with boxed merchandise and covered hoppers full of iron ore.

CSX train derailed Elkton MD. Feb. 20, 2013

Initial reports state that the accident occurred at around 11:p.m. Wednesday, Feb.20, and that two cars containing the sulfuric acid prompted emergency crews from three states to arrive on the scene, including the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services’ hazardous materials team and units from Elkton, North East and Newark, Del., and West Grove, Pa., the county department said.

According to officials, however, the acid didn’t leak, even though the cars containing it were off-kilter. Authorities said there was no danger to residents in the area, near Route 213 north of Elkton, which was closed.

Bob Sullivan, a CSX spokesman, who spoke on Thursday afternoon said “they were either sideways or just off the rail, but none are on their side.”

There were no injuries reported at the time of the accident.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Blog post by Gordon, Elias & Seely, a FELA lawyer and Maryland railroad injury lawyer who publishes train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.