Train carrying hydrochloric acid derails in Augusta County

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A train carrying hydrochloric acid derailed in Augusta County on Monday afternoon, prompting a response from Governor Glenn Youngkin.

At around 1:57 p.m. on Monday, June 23, Virginia State Police, Augusta County Fire and EMS, as well as Augusta County Sheriff's deputies were notified of a train derailment that took place off of East Side Highway, about a mile and a half from Dooms Crossing Road in Augusta County.

According to officials, the train was a northbound Norfolk Southern train with about 96 cars. In a Tuesday, June 24 press release, Norfolk Southern reported that 17 of the train's cars had derailed.

Norfolk Southern reported on Monday that five of the derailed cars on the train were carrying hydrochloric acid, however, there was no leak of any hazardous material.

Officials said a car on the train released polyethylene, which is a non-hazardous plastic in the form of pellets commonly used in the production of consumer goods such as containers, packaging and plastic films.

No injuries were reported, and no state roads were impacted by the train's derailment, according to state police.

Following the train derailment on Monday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted a statement on Facebook that said officials were closely monitoring the incident in Augusta County, with "state and local officials working with company leaders to assess the cause."

"We are thankful that no hazardous material has been released from the cars and no injuries have been reported," Youngkin said.

Northern Southern anticipates that the line will be back in service by the end of the day on Tuesday.

The crash remains under investigation.