One of the two engines can be seen under the rubble of intermodal cars. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

UPDATE — An official release has been received by CSX Corporate Communications:

“CSX has begun clearing debris and railcars from the site where a westbound train derailed overnight during seere weather. We’ve determined a total of two locomotives and eight railcars carrying 32 intermodal containers derailed.

“No hazardous materials were involved in this incident. We’re also pleased to report that the two crew members have been released from the hospital after being treated for their injuries.”

Earlier in the morning the corporate communications had issued a release expressing the swift assistance of the local first responders, who were on scene with CSX personnel to assess the situation. Their primary concern this morning was the well-being of the crew who sustained non-life threatening injuries. “While the cause of this incident is under investigation, it appears that severe weather may have been a factor …”

MILFORD — Daylight hours allowed a clearer view of the carnage caused when a westbound CSX train derailed just east of CR 300W, north of CR 1350N and north of Milford. The derailment was in Kosciusko County, just south of the Elkhart/Kosciusko County line.

Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock was called to the scene due to the hazardous materials contained in train engines — hot fluids in the radiator, lube oil for the diesel engine, storage batteries with sulfuric acid and up to 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel per unit. Rock stated he was advised all other cars were empty.

According to Rock, the two CSX employees in the train’s lead engine were assisted by Nappanee Fire Department and suffered non-life threatening injuries. They were transported to an area hospital. The second engine did not have any employees on board.

There were 23 rail cars – mostly intermodal cars, and the two engines that derailed. Workers with RJ Corman Railroad Services, Beer and Slabaugh Inc., were at the scene early this morning preparing heavy equipment to untangle and remove the carnage. Additionally, SunPro, Services, with a location in Elkhart, was on scene to handle the remediation (clean up) process.

Initial report from CSX officials at the scene, early this morning, was the derailment was caused by straightline winds. The exact cause is still under investigation and officials are expecting the area to be cleared and opened for rail traffic by noon.

At this time CR 300W and CR 200W (CR 15 and CR 17 in Elkhart County) between CR 1350N and US 6 remain closed to all traffic.

Nappanee Fire Department received the initial call at approximately 11:50 p.m. Wednesday. Milford Fire Department was called in to relieve Nappanee firefighters around 3 a.m. and remained at the scene for several hours.