Several injured after train derailment in Harmar

Several injuries reported after train derails in Harmar; multiple cars fall into water

A train derailed Thursday in Harmar, Allegheny County, causing several injuries.

The derailment occurred near the Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority treatment plant in the 2400 block of Freeport Road.

Because of the accident, Freeport Road is closed between Hulton Bridge and Guys Run Road in both directions.

In all, 17 cars went off the track. Several train cars went into a river that flows into the Allegheny. Allegheny County Emergency Management says that the liquid that the tankers were carrying has been stopped.

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An official said that a heavy construction vehicle was crossing the tracks when it crashed into the train. The construction vehicle’s driver was taken to the hospital. The two people who were running the train have also been taken away.

The seriousness of the injuries is currently unknown.

A Norfolk Southern train derailed, as confirmed by a company official.

“Late this afternoon, one of our eastbound trains collided with a dump truck hauling stone, resulting in a derailment,” stated spokesman for Norfolk Southern, Thomas Crosson. “Thank you to the emergency personnel who assisted our crew. Currently, our personnel are on-site and coordinating future actions with local authorities.”

In addition, a railroad bridge was destroyed by the derailment.

Pittsburgh’s FOX3 Now received a picture from a viewer who said he heard the train derail and that he believes a pipe was broken, allowing fluids to flood into the waterway. A water pipe for Harmar Township has been broken and is now being repaired, according to officials.