For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Taunton Fire Department Responding to Cargo Train Derailment, Fuel Spill

Approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel from an engine leaked onto the ground

TAUNTON – Fire Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw reports that the Taunton Fire Department is responding to a cargo train derailment with a significant fuel spill that happened Wednesday morning.

At approximately 7:49 a.m., the Taunton Fire Department received a report of a CSX train engine that derailed near Mozzone Boulevard. The only people aboard the train were the crew members and there were no reported injuries.

The front engine of the train went off the tracks, causing approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel from the engine to leak out onto the ground. The rest of the train’s cars stayed on the tracks. The train was hauling a variety of cargo.

The derailment occurred in a wooded area and there is no current threat to the public. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

The Taunton Fire Department is currently on scene, along with the Taunton Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection hazardous materials unit.

Crews are actively working to contain the fuel spill.

The track that the train is on is for commercial use only and is not used for the MBTA Commuter Rail. The track will be shut down while the incident is being investigated.

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