A locomotive and 11 train cars derailed in Jasper on Saturday night, briefly trapping and injuring two crew members, Norfolk Southern and Jasper police said in statements released today.

The locomotive rolled on its side, spilling diesel fuel and engine oil. The two injured crew members were briefly trapped in the engine room, according to Jasper police. The crew members were taken to a hospital, treated and released, Norfolk Southern said.

“Last night, 11 cars and the lead locomotive derailed from a train traveling through Jasper, Alabama,” the statement from Norfolk Southern said.

The railroad said there is no danger to the community.

“There are no reports of a hazmat situation or danger to the public,” Norfolk Southern said.

“Our two crew members were transported to the hospital and have since been released,” the statement said.

Crews have been on the scene for cleanup.

“During the derailment, the locomotive rolled onto its side and as a result spilled some diesel fuel and engine oil,” the railroad said. “Norfolk Southern crews have responded and have been working through the night on cleanup, and all of the involved cars have been cleared from the track. We’d also like to thank the first responders who quickly arrived on-scene and took care of our crew.”

Jasper Police, in their statement, said the accident happened near 1350 Old Russvelville Road.

“Jasper Police were notified of a train derailment earlier tonight in the area of 1350 Old Russelville Road,” the statement said. “According to Norfolk Southern, the train crew was briefly trapped in the engine room because the engine tilted over. There were no major injuries, but RPS was called to the scene to evaluate the crew and transported two crew members as a precaution. Per Norfolk Southern personnel, there were no hazardous materials involved in the derailment or released into the area. Jasper Fire called all personnel in to assist the crew in getting out of the train and managing the scene, along with Jasper Police. Norfolk Southern and Walker County EMA are remaining on the scene to return the track to service.”

A month ago, Norfolk Southern had another derailment in Calhoun County. Several train cars went off the tracks on March 9 in a rural area between Iron City Motorway and Angel Road in the eastern part of the county.

Norfolk Southern’s CEO apologized before Congress last month and pledged millions of dollars to help East Palestine, Ohio after a Feb. 3 toxic train derailment there. “We’re looking at all these incidents and figuring out how we can become an even safer railroad,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw. “Safety remains a No. 1 priority and we’ll make sure we learn from this.”

The National Transportation Safety Board said last month it will begin a broad look at the company’s safety culture — the first such investigation within the rail industry since 2014.

The board said it has sent investigation teams to look into five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern since December 2021.

There is a long history of train derailments in Alabama. There was also a 10-car train derailment in Walker County in May 2010.

See also: Train derails in Calhoun County

Train derails in Walker County in 2010