At approximately 13:30 local time, two Norfolk Southern locomotives collided in a head-on collision in Sandersville GA near the intersection of Sun Hill Grange Rd and Sunhill Road (NRC Report 1125018). Three engines and an unconfirmed number of intermodal cars derailed. The trains were carrying no hazardous substances but had approximately 10,800 gallons of diesel fuel on board. There are reports of fuel releasing from the engines involved in the collision. OSC Englert mobilized to the Site on the evening of August 7th and integrated into unified command with Norfolk Southern and GA EPD.
On the evening of August 7th it was confirmed that the fuel tanks on at least two of the engines had been breached. It is unknown at this time if the third engine’s fuel tank has been breached. Sun Hill Creek is approximately 700 feet from the collision and is not impacted at this time. The majority of released fuel has leaked onto the ballast on both sides of the tracks and is contained in adjacent soil which is not accessible to vac truck due to the surrounding wreckage.
Wrecking crews worked through the night to clear the tracks of derailed cars. The majority of wreckage was cleared by the morning of August 8th and it is anticipated that the rail line will be operation on the evening of August 8th. Vac trucks attempting to access the standing fuel were unable to do so from a nearby road. Norfolk Southern Plans to build additional roads on the north and south side of the tracks to bring heavy equipment and vac trucks closer to the fuel. Test pits have been dug to confirm placement of interceptor trenches that will be installed in the evening of August 8th to allow diesel fuel to be collected.
OSC Englert and Norfolk Southern have begun discussing specific details associated with an O&M plan and it will be circulated for review by EPA and GA EPD prior to implementation.
