Amtrak cancels Richmond-Newport News service after train derailment in New Kent

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Riders traveling between Richmond and Newport News via Amtrak should expect some cancellations after a train carrying coal derailed off the tracks in New Kent County on Saturday.

In a social post the morning of Sunday, Oct. 26, Amtrak Northeast announced that multiple trains -- Nos. 96, 99 and 124 -- are canceled until further notice.

"Due to an ongoing freight train incident, Train 124 is now canceled between Newport News (NPN) and Richmond (RVR)," Amtrak posted Sunday morning. "Alternate bus transportation will be provided. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience."

Amtrak posted that the incident also canceled Amtrak service for trains Nos. 65, 99 and 124 on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The series of cancellations comes after the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office reported that a train carrying at least 15 coal cars and two locomotives derailed between Roxbury Road and South Mountcastle Road. This resulted in coal spilling into the wetlands area, according to the sheriff’s office.

New Kent County train derailment (Photo Courtesy of New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

New Kent County train derailment (Photo Courtesy of New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

As of the time of reporting, there are no reported injuries.

CSX Police is leading the investigation into the cause of the derailment, per the sheriff's office.

Barnetts Road in Charles City County was closed to drivers as of Saturday afternoon.

8News has reached out to Amtrak for comment.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.