The 8 March 2023 rockslide and train derailment in Sandstone, West Virginia

On 8 March 2023 a rockslide triggered the derailment of a coal train near to Sandstone in West Virginia, USA.  AP has an article that describes the event, which includes this image of the aftermath:-

The aftermath of the 8 March 2023 rockslide and train derailment near to Sandstone in West Virginia. Image from Jenny Harnish/The Register-Herald via AP.

.

The rockslide that triggered the derailment was small, as the image above shows.  However, it was sufficient to derail all four locomotives and nine coal cars, according to a statement by the train operator, CSX.  The front locomotive, which was transporting three members of the train crew, caught fire.  All three people escaped, although they were injured.

The track has now been cleared and has reopened.

The image above shows the fresh scar from the small landslide that triggered the derailment.  It is very interesting to note the devastating effect that such a comparatively minor failure can inflict.  As I have highlighted previously, landslides and trains are a challenging combination.

.

Acknowledgement

Many thanks to Matthew Eynon for bringing this one to my attention.