Train derails in New Kent, Charles City border

An overtrained coal car is just one of many that derailed in an incident Saturday afternoon in New Kent County near the Charles City border.

Photo courtesy of New Kent Sheriff's Office

An investigation is underway after a train derailed in New Kent County near the Charles City border on Saturday afternoon.

In a press release, around 3:10 p.m. on Oct. 25, approximately 53 coal cars and two locomotives derailed between Roxbury Road in Charles City County and Mountcastle Road in New Kent. Photos show coal from the trains spilled into the wetlands, as well as rails bent and shredded. No injuries were reported as a result of the accident. Emergency personnel from New Kent, James City, and Charles City responded to the scene, with CSX Police joining the investigation to find out the cause of the derailment.

The train route serves as a major route between Richmond and the Hampton Roads area. At the time of this story, only Barnetts Road in Charles City remains closed, with traffic being detoured onto Roxbury Road.

No timetable is set for the reopening of the railway or Barnetts Road. Residents are urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews and railroad officials to conduct recovery operations.

CSX officials and crew members inspect the remaining cars on the track during the evening hours after the crash.

Robb Johnson photo