Cleanup complete after Norfolk Southern train derailment in Maplesville

MAPLESVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - Crews have finished cleaning up after a Norfolk Southern train derailment that sent eight cars full of trash off the tracks near homes in Maplesville a few weeks ago.

The derailment happened at Foshee Avenue. Norfolk Southern believes a low-clearance vehicle damaged the track before the cars derailed.

“Just chaos. A lot of chaos. I was home at the time and received so many phone calls,” said Yvonne Mitchell, with Prayer Pillow Ministry Outreach near the tracks.

New drone video captured Tuesday by WBRC’s First Alert SkyTracker shows the progress. The piles of debris that once lined the tracks are gone, though some crews remain in the area finishing restoration work.

“They done a great job. I mean I couldn’t complain about any of the Norfolk Southern guys. I mean they worked pretty much around the clock getting everything cleaned up,” said Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon.

The Maplesville town clerk said all road closures tied to the derailment have been lifted, and every train crossing in town is open again.

Norfolk Southern sent WBRC this statement:

“We have completed cleanup activities related to the Maplesville derailment. Crews are wrapping up final restoration work at the site, and we appreciate the community’s patience throughout this effort.”

Nearby businesses affected by the closures are relieved to see the work done, including Prayer Pillow Ministry Outreach, a nonprofit which serves cancer survivors, veterans and others in the community.

“Amazing. They have done an amazing job. I mean working around the clock,” said Yvonne Mitchell, with Prayer Pillow Ministry Outreach.

“I really admire the work that the people have done here and the time they have put in cleaning it up,” said Benita Caver, also with Prayer Pillow Ministry Outreach.

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