MORGANTON, N.C. — Five rail cars and an engine derailed on Tuesday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and East Fleming Drive in Morganton, sending an engineer to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
Emergency officials confirmed that no hazardous materials were spilled during the train derailment.
Highway 70, at the intersection of East Fleming Drive and East Union Street, will be closed for about 24 hours, Morganton Public Safety said at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Traffic is being diverted at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and East Fleming Drive. Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area because the intersection will remain shut down for an extended period, Morganton Public Safety said.
Morganton Public Safety, Burke County Emergency Management, and Burke County EMS contained the scene. Norfolk Southern is taking over operations.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Morganton Public Safety stated that more information will be released as details become available.