No Hazmat Threat After Train Cars Derail, Fuel Spills In Northampton Co: Police

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA — A train collision in Northampton County on Saturday morning sent at least one car into the Lehigh River, according to officials and a report.

Three Norfolk Southern trains were involved in the incident in Lower Saucon Township, causing multiple cars to derail, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

The incident happened around 7:15 a.m. in the area of Riverside Drive just east of Steel City, police added. No injuries were reported to any of the train crews, officials said.

Some diesel fuel spilled into the river from the accident, but police did not call for any evacuations or say there was a risk to the community. Some polypropylene plastic pellets also spilled from one of the derailed cars.

According to the Associated Press, the NTSB said that one train apparently struck another which had stopped on the same track. Wreckage from the striking train then spilled onto the adjacent track and a third train hit the debris, officials said.

Photos from the scene shared by fire officials showed multiple tanker cars strewn along the river, and what appeared to be an engine in the water.

"We request that everyone stay out of the area so first responders and Norfolk Southern personnel can continue to assess and work at the scene," police said.

The derailment remains under investigation.