7:30 A.M. SATURDAY UPDATE:
Norfolk Southern crews are still working on clean up, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office reported Friday. Old Cornelia Highway remains closed between Mud Creek Road and the Habersham County line. The RR crossings at Yonah-Homer Road and Garland White Road are also closed. Road closure signs are posted.
7:30 P.M. THURSDAY STATE PATROL UPDATE:
Troopers and CVE (Commercial Vehicle Officers) were dispatched to investigate a crash involving a CMV and Norfolk Southern train. Upon arrival they were advised by Deputy Jason Evans with Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Driver Erick Kirby stated he was crossing the railroad tracks when his Low Boy trailer bottomed out. Deputy Evans stated driver Kirby said he tried to raise the trailer to clear the tracks, but the hydraulics would not engage. Deputy Evans stated the driver was out of the truck when the train hit the semi-trailer. Driver of the tractor trailer was transported by EMS. No other injuries were reported.
5:15 P.M. THURSDAY NORFOLK SOUTHERN UPDATE:
Norfolk Southern said Thursday afternoon three engines and “multiple” intermodal containers derailed in that North Hall accident Thursday morning in North Hall. Two of the engines remained upright after leaving the tracks and one ended up on its side.
“There are no reports of injuries and there is no danger to the public,” according an email from the railroad. “We ask that the public please avoid the area while crews work to begin cleanup.”
The derailment occurred when the train struck a tractor-trailer at a crossing near the Hall-Banks County line.
HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) 4:45 P.M. THURSDAY UPDATE:
All railroad crossings mentioned below, as well as the portion of Old Cornelia Highway between the Habersham County line and Mud Creek Road, remain closed to traffic. Norfolk Southern crews are still working to clear the tracks from this morning’s train derailment. They indicate it could be late tonight before their work is finished.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED 2:00 P.M. THURSDAY:
A Norfolk Southern freight train has struck a lowboy tractor trailer on the tracks on Old Cornelia Highway at Yonah-Homer Road. No injuries have been reported. But as a result, the following railroad crossings in Hall County are closed, according to the sheriff’s office (HCSO):
•Main Street at 8th in Lula
•Old Cornelia Highway at Moccasin Gap Road
•Old Cornelia Highway at Barrett Road
•Old Cornelia Highway at Yonah-Homer Road
In addition, Old Cornelia Highway northbound has been closed to traffic at Mud Creek Road and Old Cornelia Highway southbound at the Habersham County line has been closed to traffic.