Homes evacuated after early-morning train derailment in Bedford County

Around 50 households were temporarily forced to leave their homes after a train derailed in Bedford County early on Tuesday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and ongoing traffic disruption.

County officials said the derailment occurred near Wartrace at about 7 a.m., leading to evacuations as a precautionary measure. The incident is also expected to cause congestion in the surrounding area throughout the day as response and cleanup work continues.

Four rail cars carrying denatured alcohol were involved in the derailment. Authorities confirmed that no leaks have been detected, easing immediate concerns about environmental or public health risks.

CSX Transportation is overseeing the recovery operation, with support from several local and state agencies that remain on site. As a result of the incident, Bugscuffle Road has been closed, and officials warned that school transport could be affected, with some children arriving home later than normal due to diverted bus routes.

Bedford County officials sought to reassure residents by explaining the nature of the substance being carried and outlining what to expect as the response continues.

The Bedford County Government said:

“Denatured alcohol is ethanol, the alcohol in alcoholic beverages, which has been specially treated to make it undrinkable, so that it can be used for other purposes, for example as a fuel or solvent. No further evacuations are expected, and those who were evacuated should be able to return to their homes later today. No injuries have been reported; two bedridden people in the evacuation area had to be transported to safety. The derailment happened on the side line and the main CSX line which runs through Bell Buckle, Wartrace and Normandy is clear. However, due to the work being done at the derailment site, trains on the main line will be traveling much more slowly than usual, which could result in longer-than-expected wait times at railroad crossings. Officials are urging those who do not have to be in the area to avoid it today due to traffic issues.”

Image: Amanda Sanders