Late in the of the evening of May 23, 2016, around 10:30 P.M., a Norfolk Southern train including box cars and tankers derailed and struck the railroad crossing signals at North State Street in South Whitley, Indiana. As a result of the train cars leaving the tracks, town officials closed North State Street, as well as Calhoun Street, and Line Street. Additionally, several local residents were evacuated from their homes near the tracks, as hazmat officials examined a leaking tanker rail car that had rolled on its side during the derailment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, aside from property loses, and residents were allowed to re-enter their homes around 3:30 A.M. on May 24, 2016. However, the clean-up effort to remove the train cars remained ongoing late into the morning following the derailment.

Following the derailment in rural Whitley County, an official for Norfolk Southern stressed the importance of moving freight safely to keep members of the community safe from avoidable incidents.  Train Conductors and Engineers, due to their specialized training to operate freight trains safely and effectively, are often held to a higher standard to prevent foreseeable incidents or potential hazards.  However, in spite of the special care that train operators required to take to ensure safe railway travels, it is important for motorists and pedestrians alike to proceed through railroad crossings safely and only when clear of trains. To find out more about your rights after suffering a severe injuries, please contact our experience legal team at 888-578-3100 or on the web at IndyInjured.com for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

Source:

https://wane.com/2016/05/23/crews-respond-to-train-derailment-in-south-whitley/