Roads blocked by a train derailment on Thursday in Romulus may remain impassable until Friday, according to a spokesperson from CSX Railroad.
The derailment occurred around 10 a.m. on Thursday. Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight stated that a 97-car train derailed, causing 14 cars to come off the tracks and block the Wick Road and Tobine Road crossings.
No leaks or spills occurred as a result of the incident, ensuring there was no danger to the public, said CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker. He also confirmed that no members of the rail crew were injured.
“Crews will work throughout the night, and we are optimistic that we will be able to reopen the crossings by Friday,” he said.
Romulus first responders and the Wayne County Emergency Management Team were at the scene on Thursday, evaluating the situation. Mayor McCraight stated that “at this time, there seems to be no immediate threat to public health.”
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy also sent personnel to the derailment site on Thursday. According to EGLE spokesperson Hugh McDiarmid Jr., one of the train’s 97 cars was labeled to carry hazardous material, specifically molten sulfur. However, CSX officials confirmed that the car was empty when the derailment occurred, which was verified by first responders.
More: How Southeast Michigan Became a Hub for America’s Most Hazardous Chemicals
Most Derailed Cars Were Empty
“As a precaution, and to minimize distractions from the heavy machinery operating in the vicinity, two schools located west of the derailment site have been closed for the day,” McDiarmid explained. The closed schools are Wick Elementary School and Romulus Middle School.
Preliminary assessments indicate that most of the derailed rail cars were empty when the incident occurred, said Mayor McCraight.
The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time.
“An investigation will determine the cause; for now, our focus is on recovering and restoring the area,” Tucker stated.
Lawmakers Stress the “Urgent Need” for Stricter Railroad Safety Laws
The Romulus derailment occurred just eight months after a train derailment on February 16 in Van Buren Township. This incident heightened concerns as it followed a derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that resulted in a large fire and the release of potentially hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride. During that incident, over 2,000 nearby residents were evacuated.
Both state and federal Democratic lawmakers are calling for more action on railroad safety after the Romulus derailment.
State Representative Reggie Miller, a Democrat from Van Buren Township, expressed frustration and disappointment with the frequent occurrence of train derailments in his community.
“The alarming frequency of these incidents highlights the urgent need for stricter laws and regulations regarding freight rail. While I am relieved that no hazardous materials were spilled in this case, we are not always so fortunate. This situation is unsustainable, and it must change,” stated Rep. Dylan Wegela, a Democrat from Garden City. He also called for increased oversight from federal authorities to protect Michigan communities from dangerous materials and situations.
U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar stated that the derailment clearly indicates a system failure.
“For those of us who have been paying attention to the deteriorating state of our country’s infrastructure, this is not a surprise,” he said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide much-needed funding for the rail system, but we must prioritize the safety of our neighbors now.”
Contact Keith Matheny: [email protected].
