Freight Train Carrying Trash, Recycling Derails In Ayer

AYER, MA — A freight train carrying trash and recycling derailed around noon Thursday in Ayer, officials said.

A total of five cars carrying ten containers derailed, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The train line is jointly owned by CSX and Norfolk Southern, according to a statement from CSX, which added there were no hazardous materials involved and no impacts to the environment.

The Ayer Fire Department said the cars are sealed but containment booms were deployed to the waterway near the derailment as a precaution. The derailment happened near Sculley Road.

"The area may see heavier than normal traffic during the railroad’s operation," the fire department said. "Please avoid the area if possible."

No one was hurt in the derailment, according to Ayer's Assistant Town Manager Carly Antonellis.

Video showed engines hauling several railcars that had toppled off the tracks onto their sides.

"Just before noon today, a freight train operated by Springfield Terminals derailed five rail cars carrying ten intermodal containers holding solid waste on the Pan Am Southern rail line in Ayer, MA," CSX said in a statement shared with Patch.

"There were no reported injuries to the crew, no hazardous materials involved, no leaks or spills of any freight and no impacts to the environment. CSX personnel are responding as the incident occurred on a line jointly owned with Norfolk Southern. We are working closely with local first responders to assess the situation and develop a recovery plan. The cause of the incident is under investigation."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.