A train derailment in Neoga was reported this afternoon (Tuesday) has closed two railroad crossings in town, though no one was hurt and the incident is not considered a hazard to the public.
Neoga Police Chief Andy Schabbing confirmed with news outlets that around 2:40 p.m. today, the crossings at 5th Street and 6th Street were closed following the derailment. The train was carrying grain, so there is no hazardous materials concern but residents are still being asked to avoid the area to give crews room to work.
The 7th Street crossing remains open.
Crews with Decatur and Eastern Illinois Railroad are already on their way to the scene, bringing a crane and other specialized equipment to remove the train from the tracks. It is unclear at this time how long the crossings will remain closed. You can expect the accident to be cleaned up by Wednesday morning.
This isn’t the first time Neoga has dealt with a railroad incident. A partial derailment occurred back in August of 2019, when a truck trailer struck a locomotive on 6th and 7th Streets, blocking crossings in the middle of Neoga’s downtown. Tuesday’s derailment appears to be an eerily similar situation. While disruptive, this derailment is not proving dangerous to area residents.
More updates are to come about when 5th and 6th Street will open as normal.
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