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Three cars overturn as train derails in York County

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A Norfolk Southern train derailed from its tracks Wednesday morning in York County. Five cars came off the track and three overturned on Cureton Ferry Road in Catawba, South Carolina.

[IMAGES: York County train derailment]

Emergency Management said the derailment happened around 7 a.m. Wednesday, but it was not notified until 8 a.m.

Officials are concerned that it was an hour before they were called because they cannot determine if there is a risk to the public until they get on scene and take a look.

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"It has to do with everything involved. The faster we know about something, the faster we can get our guys on the road," said York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes.

Haynes understands Norfolk Southern has a process, but he thinks it should have been quicker.

Norfolk Southern explained its procedures to Channel 9 in an email stating that a derailment is reported to a dispatcher then crews inspect the train by walking both sides of it. Norfolk Southern's police immediately notify local responders. The company noted this train had 65 cars and was three quarters of a mile long.

According to officials, the tanker involved was empty at the time and no injuries were reported.

Norfolk Southern said it is not clear how long it will take to move the cars and reopen the track. Rowells Road will be closed to through traffic until late Wednesday. A detour route is in place.

Check back to wsoctv.com for updates to this developing story.

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