Freight Train Derailment in Buckland, MA

This morning at approximately 5:13AM members of the State Police barracks in Shelburne Falls responded to a report of a 13 car freight train derailment near Depot Road in Buckland.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Kristin Glanton reveals that the train and tracks are owned by Pan Am Railways of Deerfield, MA. Three of the 13 cars are reportedly empty tankers which previously contained hazardous materials. There is no leak or spill of any of the residue, and no threat is anticipated. There is no other property damage, or water or land contamination. The recovery of these tankers is being coordinated by the Buckland Fire Department. The other 10 freight cars were carrying scrap metal.

A team has been dispatched by the railway company to right the freight cars and get them back on their rails. The clean up is expected to take three to four days, with the tracks opening as soon as possible. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the derailment is under investigation by the State Police and railway officials.

State Police are being assisted at the scene by the District 4 HAZMAT team, and the Department of Environmental Protection. The scene is under the control of the Buckland Fire Department. Depot Road is a dead-end road and will remain closed during the recovery and investigation.

No other information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.

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