Three injured after train derailment and spill in West Virginia

A train derailment in Sandstone, W.Va. Wednesday caused concern when its resulted in a spill into a river. A CSX freight train derailed after hitting a boulder and began to spill diesel fuel into the New River, according to a press release from the railroad.

The company reported the derailment of the train's four locomotives and nine empty coal cars. The leading locomotive had three crew members: a driver, an engineer and an engineer trainee. The locomotive caught fire, but the three crew members "are safe and being evaluated and treated for non-life threatening injuries," the company said.

Spillage of "an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and oil"

The company's statement adds that "an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and oil spilled from the derailed locomotives and environmental measures will be deployed in the New River for containment." However, the company assures that the train was not carrying "hazardous materials" and that "the incident posed no danger to the public."

The accident in West Virginia adds a new episode to the growing concern over railroad safety following a series of high-profile derailments, including the massive spill in eastern Ohio last month which resulted in potentially frightening consequences for local residents.

CEO of Norfolk Southern to appear before the Senate

The new derailment occurred shortly before Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw is scheduled to appear before the Senate Thursday. The head of one of the nation's largest railroad companies will come to a Senate hearing hat in hand, with a commitment to send millions of dollars to East Palestine, while senators investigate rail safety and the Biden administration's response to the disaster.

"I am deeply sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the people of East Palestine and surrounding communities, and I am determined to make it right," Alan Shaw said in prepared remarks before the hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Shaw said the company is making a $20 million commitment to help the community recover.