Train derailment halts service between Harrisburg, Pittsburgh

Train derailment

Federal Railroad Administration safety officials, Norfolk Southern Railway personnel and contractors work on clearing the track after a derailment Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County, Pa. (Pam Panchak/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)AP

HEMPFIELD, Pa. (AP) — Officials say three trains were involved in a derailment in western Pennsylvania, prompting cancellation of rail service between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, but no injuries were reported.

Three Norfolk Southern Corp. trains were involved in the 2:30 p.m. Friday derailment just west of the Georges Station Road bridge in Hempfield, about three miles east of Greensburg.

Norfolk Southern said one westbound train struck the rear of another, and derailed cars hit part of an eastbound train. A total of 11 rail cars transporting 50 shipping containers derailed, blocking lines that carry both freight and passengers between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Norfolk Southern said in a statement Saturday that cranes, excavators, loaders and other heavy equipment are being used to clear the tracks, and service restoration was expected late Saturday night.

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