NS Coal Train Accident Update: Detour and Mine Operations

The NS coal train accident has caused significant disruptions to local traffic, with a detour route established for travelers. The detour adds about 30 minutes to the usual travel time.

Locals are advised to check for updates on the detour route before embarking on their journey. The detour is expected to remain in place until the accident is fully cleared.

Mine operations have been temporarily suspended due to the accident, with a team of experts working to assess the damage and determine the cause. The mine is expected to reopen once the investigation is complete.

The NTSB report on the NS coal train derailment reveals some interesting facts. The derailment occurred on July 6 near Elliston, Virginia, and fortunately, there were no injuries, fatalities, fires, or release of coal.

The train was traveling at about 25 mph in an area authorized for speeds up to 40 mph. This suggests that the train was not speeding at the time of the derailment.

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The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, but they have already found burned-off bearing components, wheels, and axles from the 71st rail car. This indicates that the derailment was caused by a serious issue with the rail car's wheelset and reconditioned bearings.

The NTSB also found that the train's crew did not follow the correct procedures for responding to a hot-bearing alarm. The crew was supposed to immediately stop the train for inspection, but they didn't, and the derailment occurred while they were moving the train to a siding.

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The NTSB issued a preliminary report on a Norfolk Southern Railway unit coal train derailment in Virginia.

The derailment occurred on July 6 and thankfully, there were no injuries, fatalities, fires, or release of coal.

The train was traveling at 25 mph in an area authorized for speeds up to 40 mph.

A centralized traffic control system and the New River Division train dispatcher in Atlanta coordinated the train movements.

Wayside hot-bearing detectors (HBD) in the area transmitted a critical alarm message for an axle on the 71st rail car.

The crew stopped the train and inspected the cars, finding that the axle's temperature indicator stick had melted slightly, indicating a measurement of 169°F or higher.

The crew was directed to set out the rail car for inspection, but before they could do so, the derailment occurred.

The next day, Norfolk Southern issued an operations bulletin clarifying the requirements for responding to hot-bearing and dragging-equipment alarms.

The bulletin states that upon receiving a critical hot-bearing alarm, the crew must immediately stop the train for inspection.

The NTSB's investigation is ongoing and will focus on the 71st rail car's wheelset and reconditioned bearings, as well as Norfolk Southern's use of HBDs and operating rules for defective equipment detectors.

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Norfolk Southern has an extensive list of mine operations facilities that you can explore by downloading their Mine Operations Directory.

Their mine operations facilities are served by Norfolk Southern, a railway company that plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and materials.

You can review a detailed list of capabilities at the various Norfolk Southern served mines by checking out their Mine Operations Directory.

This directory provides valuable information about the services and capabilities offered by these mine operations facilities.

Norfolk Southern's mine operations facilities are a vital part of the company's operations, enabling the transportation of goods and materials to various locations.

By downloading the Mine Operations Directory, you can gain a better understanding of the capabilities and services offered by these mine operations facilities.

Expand your knowledge: Last Mile Transportation

Wheeler'sburg Terminal is an NS-owned and served coal terminal on the Ohio River at Mile Marker 344.6.

The terminal operates 24-7, making it a vital hub for coal transportation. It features an annual throughput capacity of 9 million tons.

The facility is equipped with a rotary dumper, barge loader, unit train loadout, and belt scales, allowing for efficient coal handling. A three-stage sampling system, operated independently by Sampling Associates International, can provide ASTM- and ISO-approved samples for all cargoes.

Wheelersburg Terminal has a ground storage capacity of 1 million tons, making it a significant storage facility for coal. The terminal offers complete train flood loading and up to four coal blending and mixing services for metallurgical and utility coal applications.

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The NTSB report reveals that Norfolk Southern started diverting trains around the accident site on the afternoon of the crash, with the first diverted train passing through the area at around 2:30 pm.

This detour was necessary to prevent further accidents and allow for the investigation to proceed safely.

Trains were rerouted through the nearby town of Frankfort, which added to the already significant disruption to the rail network.

The detour was expected to be in place for several days, causing delays and disruptions to both freight and passenger trains.

The diversion of trains around the accident site was a complex operation that required coordination with multiple rail lines and freight operators.