Coast Guard: Allegheny River reopens after train derailment in Harmar Township

HARMAR TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Allegheny River has reopened after a train derailment that left 17 cars and two engines off the tracks, and nine tankers in the water in Harmar Township, according to the United States Coast Guard.

PHOTOS: Train derailment in Harmar Township, 17 cars derailed

The river was originally closed between mile marker 12 and mile marker 14 after the derailment Thursday afternoon.

All of the tankers that fell into a creek during the incident were removed by Sunday, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

Officials said one of the cars leaked an estimated 3,000 gallons of petroleum distillate into the creek during removal. However, samples taken from the Allegheny River show no signs of contamination at this time.

Emergency crews say the full rebuilding process, which will begin shortly, can take weeks.

“It can be a couple of days to a week, and there still will be lingering issues, even after that,” said Chief Matt Brown of Allegheny County Emergency Services.

Freeport Road will remain closed during the cleanup and until further notice.

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