Train Derails in Halifax County, North Carolina, Disrupting Travel Across East Coast
HALIFAX COUNTY, N.C. — A freight train carrying coal derailed Sunday afternoon in Halifax County, North Carolina, causing travel disruptions and cancelations for Amtrak services along the East Coast.
Coal Train Jumps Tracks Near Enfield
The derailment happened just after 4 p.m. on August 17 near the town of Enfield, outside the Binderholz industrial facility. The CSX-operated train was pulling 28 cars loaded with coal when it went off the tracks. According to local officials and CSX, no injuries or hazardous chemical leaks were reported.
Crews from CSX were on-site Monday morning, working to clear the area “as safely and quickly as possible,” the company confirmed.
Major Passenger Rail Disruptions
The derailment forced Amtrak to cancel or reroute several major passenger trains, including:
- Auto Train 52 and 53 (Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL)
- Silver Meteor 97 and 98 (New York to Florida)
- Floridian Train 40 (Chicago to Florida)
Many of these trains operate along the heavily trafficked I-95 rail corridor, and the sudden disruption left travelers scrambling for alternatives. Amtrak issued travel advisories across its platforms and encouraged passengers to check real-time updates for route changes.
Halifax County Mayor Responds
Enfield Mayor Mondale Robinson confirmed the incident occurred just outside the town’s limits. Although no damage to nearby buildings or infrastructure has been reported, the incident raised concerns about safety and preparedness, especially given the number of hazardous materials typically moved on similar freight lines.
Halifax County lies near the North Carolina–Virginia border and sits within a critical rail corridor for both commercial and passenger transit on the Eastern Seaboard.
Investigation Into Cause Still Underway
As of now, the reason for the derailment remains unknown. CSX has not provided a timeline for when the rail line will be fully operational again. Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the tracks, train equipment, and possible environmental factors.
The derailment marks one of several recent rail-related incidents in the U.S., drawing renewed attention to freight safety standards and emergency response capabilities across state and federal agencies.
Stay informed with the latest updates on rail disruptions and regional news at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
