Locomotives Derail, Catch Fire

Locomotives on a Norfolk Southern freight train have derailed near Pittsburgh, catching fire and prompting the precautionary evacuation of nearby residents.

Emergency crews say the train's engineer was taken to a hospital, though he was conscious and alert, and a second person may have been injured.

The accident occurred in Edgeworth, a community about 15 miles west of Pittsburgh along the north shore of the Ohio River.

Television news helicopters showed emergency crews dousing the smoky locomotives with fire extinguishing foam. The video appeared to show at least two locomotives derailed, including one on its side.

Norfolk Southern spokeswoman Susan Terpay had no details to immediately release.

A nearby outpatient facility owned by the Heritage Valley Health System and some homes were being evacuated as a precaution.

Copyright The Associated Press
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