Published July 12. 2024 09:17AM
A cargo train consisting of 125 cars derailed under the Hill to Hill Bridge the afternoon of July 5.
Bethlehem Fire Chief Michael Reich said in a statement around 2:41 p.m., four or five rail cars derailed and Norfolk Southern personnel were quickly on scene. Some cars derailed on the bridge over the Lehigh River and two cars were located off the tracks at the end of the bridge. All derailed cars were reported to be empty. The river was not involved or affected.
Two cars of the 125 car train contained hazardous materials, Reigh said, but were remote from the derailed cars. No hazardous material cars were derailed or damaged and there were no leaks or spills. No injuries were reported. No roads or crossings were involved or blocked.
Neighbors told The Press Norfolk Southern personnel worked overnight and the damaged cars were already removed before 7 a.m. July 6.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBCranemasters heavy equipment is loaded onto a tractor trailer bed the morning after several derailed Norfolk Southern gondola cars had been lifted back on the tracks overnight.
The morning after, the derailment causes what appears to be minor damage to railings on the railroad trestle’s southern end where tracks go under the Hill to Hill Bridge. Yellow caution tape remains strung across the bridge track in the area of the derailment.
