Freight train derails in Alexandria, no injuries reported

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Amtrak and VRE both say they'll operate at full service on Monday for the rush-hour commute after a CSX freight train derailed early Saturday morning in Alexandria.

CSX and NTSB are conducting an extensive investigation. They say there were no injuries and 31 cars were derailed.

Alexandria police said the derailment happened just after 7 a.m., after a bridge partially collapsed. Police closed Wheeler Road between Early and Gordon streets as a result of the derailment.

FOX 5's Anne Cutler reports the train's conductor said the tracks under the train just gave way. The bridge and the tracks are severely damaged. Fire officials said they don't know for sure if weather was a factor, but it's likely.

Although first responders arriving at the scene observed that a railway bridge had failed, the NTSB's initial findings suggest the train derailed prior to the bridge and struck the bridge while derailing.

There were no passengers aboard the 167-car train, which was not carrying any hazardous materials at the time of the derailment. The train consisted of three locomotives, 91 loaded railcars and 76 empty cars, according to CSX.

Officials say no one was hurt and all crew members have been accounted for.

CSX and NTSB are working together to investigate the cause of the derailment. CSX says they are working closely with local firefighters and other first responders to assess the situation.

Investigators say NTSB's initial findings suggest the train derailed prior to the bridge and struck the bridge while derailing.

Cleanup from the derailment will likely take several days, not including repair to the bridge and the rebuilding of the tracks.

Passenger and freight trains continue to move through the area at slow speed, which may impact Monday commuters, Alexandria officials say.

Visit Amtrak's website for updates on the status of specific trains traveling to and from the D.C. area.