A CSX train carrying crude oil derailed Wednesday afternoon by the James River in downtown Lynchburg, sparking a massive fire that sent a thick column of black smoke high into the sky.
Officials said 12 to 14 tanker cars were involved in the derailment, which happened shortly before 2 p.m. near Ninth and Jefferson streets. Three or four of the cars were breached, spilling oil into the river. The cause was not immediately known.
Lynchburg City Manager Kimball Payne has declared a state of emergency. City officials say CSX representatives, and possibly the train company's CEO, are en route.
City firefighters are allowing the fire to burn out, and it has abated somewhat since the derailment.
Multiple off-duty city buses have arrived on scene to help people leave the scene. Officials are asking people to stay away from the area.
No injuries have been reported so far, but a Centra Health spokeswoman said shortly before 3 p.m. that the hospital system has staff standing by just in case.
Nearby roads, including the Fifth Street Bridge and the trail to Percival's Island, were shut down, and authorities evacuated numerous buildings. CSX officials were working this afternoon to remove a portion of the train that is preventing employees of Griffin Pipe Foundry from leaving.
City officials said drinking water is unaffected. Lynchburg typically gets its water from the Pedlar Reservoir in Amherst County. Downstream, Richmond has begun to switch to an alternate water supply.
