CSX train derailment in Fredericksburg: What we know

Fredericksburg Fire Chief Michael Jones said the derailment of five railroad cars near 420 Cobblestone Drive, which collided with the garage buildings on the property, occurred around 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.

The trains tore down a concrete noise barrier, damaging four garages – one of which was completely leveled, emergency officials said. Two of the five cars had been recovered by Sunday morning, Jones said.

Since there were no passengers on board, no injuries were reported.

Following the derailment, CSX was instructed to halt all freight and commuter service in both directions and Cobblestone Building Management was contacted.

Two vehicles and a motorcycle were also damaged. Power was restored to the damaged garages and crews secured the affected area. Crews searched eight train cars and confirmed no hazardous materials were leaking. Drone teams were deployed to assist with surveillance. A unit from the Stafford County Fire and EMS was requested and deployed to assist. CSX had multiple representatives on site.

Fire department control center employees were on site again on Sunday morning to inspect and assess the fire site.

The remaining three cars are expected to be removed later Sunday, Jones said. The city of Fredericksburg is in contact with CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration and Cobblestone Property Management.

A full investigation is expected. In addition, city planning and building officials have committed to quickly assisting Cobblestone management in stabilizing, demolishing and rebuilding following this incident.

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