GILES CO., Va. – Updated 8:10 p.m.:
According to Mercer County Emergency Services, the derailment happened on the West Virginia side of the border and involved a Norfolk Southern train. Officials say 11 to 12 cars derailed, and the primary substance that leaked into the East River was soybean oil. A hazmat crew has deployed a containment boom to help prevent the oil from spreading further.
Crews are working to isolate the affected cars. Officials say a rail car will be brought in from Roanoke to retrieve the front portion of the train that remains attached, while the rear section will be moved into the Bluefield, West Virginia area.
We will continue to update you as we learn more.
Updated 7:30 p.m.:
A tanker train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Glen Lyn near Lurich Road, close to the Giles County, Mercer County, West Virginia line. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Emergency responders on scene are working to determine whether chemicals have been spilled into the East River, a tributary of the New River. The train tracks run adjacent to the river.
Witnesses told 10 News a car from the train was dragged a considerable distance, and something was seen spilling from it. Officials have not confirmed those reports.
As a safety precaution, the nearest business to the derailment — an Exxon gas station — was evacuated. The cause of the derailment remains unclear.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Hazmat Unit, the Roanoke Regional Hazmat Unit and a hazmat crew from the nearby Celanese Plant responded to the scene. Local emergency responders from the Rich Creek Fire Department and the town of Narrows also assisted.
10 News is currently on the scene of a tanker train derailment in the New River Valley Tuesday evening. Emergency responders are on scene in Glen Lyn. 10 News has been told that crews are working to find out if chemicals have spilled into the East River.
This is a developing story and 10 News will continue to update with information as we receive it.