Juveniles Behind Stolen Train Crash That Damaged Railcars
LAURENS, S.C. — A late-night act of mischief turned into a dangerous crime in Laurens County over the weekend when two juveniles allegedly stole and crashed a train, according to WBTV.
Authorities say the minors broke into the Carolina Piedmont and CSX Transportation facilities in Laurens during the evening of Saturday, August 9, 2025. Once inside, the pair managed to start one of the locomotives — a train engine that was connected to two additional engines — and began driving it around the railyard.
From Joyride to Collision
Investigators report that the juveniles initially drove the train around the Laurens railyard before venturing onto a track headed toward Greenville. At some point, they attempted to return the train to its starting location, but in doing so, collided with a parked railcar. The impact damaged the railcar and caused a derailment, adding to the property destruction.
“This was a dangerous and reckless act,” Laurens Police Chief stated. “Railroad property is not a place to play. Trains, rail lines, and yards present serious risks, and unauthorized access can have life-threatening consequences.”
Charges and Custody
The two minors — whose names and exact ages have not been released due to their juvenile status — face multiple serious charges, including:
- Burglary
- Grand larceny over $10,000
- Malicious damage to property over $10,000
- Willful destruction of railroad property
- Injury to railroad
Following their arrests, the suspects were transported to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.
Location and Context
The railyard where the incident occurred sits just off East Main Street near downtown Laurens, roughly halfway between Greenville and Columbia. The area is a hub for freight operations, and unauthorized access poses major safety risks both for the individuals involved and for railway employees.
Local officials emphasized that while this incident was unusual, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of tampering with industrial transportation systems — not only due to potential property damage but also the real risk of injury or death.
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