U.S. 224 is expected to reopen for vehicles on Feb. 25, according to Norfolk Southern.
ATTICA, Ohio — Residents of Attica never imagined witnessing a train derail so close to home.
Twenty years of living in the town came with a level of comfort that was abruptly disrupted for Michele Watson. Last Tuesday, the familiar scene near U.S. 224 where her home sat alongside the railway turned into a nerve-wracking experience as a Norfolk Southern train derailed. The events that ensued left her visibly shaken and concerned.
“It was quite a traumatic event,” Watson said. “When the trains started to hit each other, the house shook.”
Recalling the chaotic moments, Watson described a car caught at the crossing, facing the imminent danger of being ensnared by the wreckage. Miraculously, the driver managed to maneuver in reverse until reaching safety in front of her family’s residence. The unfolding events served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life.
In the initial moments of the incident, Watson said she and her family prepared for the worst.Â
Preparedness became the priority as Watson and her family swiftly reacted to the unsettling situation. Packing overnight bags, they braced themselves for a potential evacuation, determined to ensure their safety amidst the uncertainty. With a 15-year-old daughter overwhelmed by fear and confusion, the readiness to leave at a moment’s notice provided a sense of security during the turmoil.
However, as the days have passed, officials said the situation had improved.Â
Seneca County Emergency Management Agency Director John Spahr provided reassurance, noting that cleanup efforts have been progressing well. Only corn syrup and ethanol leaked from the train’s tanks, making the situation manageable.
“This is about the best-case scenario you can have,” Spahr said.
Within 24 hours, Spahr said the train tracks were cleared and open for trains to pass over.Â
While the tracks are operational again, motorists will need to wait a bit longer for road repairs. Originally, Norfolk Southern had hoped to reopen the road by Saturday, but weather delays have pushed that timeline to Tuesday.
Norfolk Southern provided an update to WTOL 11 Thursday, Feb. 20.
“Weather is delaying our ability to get the new asphalt down and set, so it’s looking more like Tuesday, Feb. 25, for the crossing reopening.“
According to Spahr, the roads should be opened and wreckage cleared by Norfolk Southern’s projected date.
“By that time they’ll also be scrapping all these cars behind us,. As soon as they get these cars moved off this land, the last thing is to start soil testing and and remediation of the soil to get out anything that may be contaminated,” Spahr said.
