West Virginia train accident attorneys note the derailment of train carrying North Dakota crude oil in Fayette County, West Virginia on Monday, February 16, causing explosions, flames over 300 feet high and contamination of a river. According to a story filed by MetroNews of West Virginia:
“At least one house was destroyed, but police have found no evidence of fatalities. CSX [the owner of the train] said one person was treated for potential inhalation (of fumes).
In a statement Monday evening CSX said its teams “are working with first responders to address the fire, to determine how many rail cars derailed and to deploy environmental protective and monitoring measures on land, air and in the nearby Kanawha River.
An undetermined number of cars of the CSX train, believed to be 12-15, jumped the tracks at about 1:20 p.m.”
Other news sources report that approximately 1,000 people were evacuated as a result of the derailment and subsequent oil spill. West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency for Fayette and Kanawha Counties. West Virginia American Water was forced to close intake at a water treatment facility due to oil spilling into the Kanawha River.
West Virginia train accident attorneys note that this accident occurred just over a year after a chemical spill into the Elk River near Charleston raised water contamination concerns and prompted the governor to declare states of emergency in eight West Virginia counties, including Kanawha County which has also been impacted by the train accident spill.
When West Virginia train accidents cause contamination of land or water, property damage, or personal injury, train accident attorneys can assist affected individuals in recovering compensation for their losses. Damages caused by train accidents can include damage to property that must be repaired, loss of property value, medical expenses related to illness from poisoned water or air, and damages for pain and suffering and inconvenience.
If you have been affected by the West Virginia train accident and oil spill, contact Attorney Group for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options. We can connect you with an affiliated West Virginia train accident attorney who can assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation.
