AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Norfolk Southern has provided further details about the train derailment that occurred yesterday, June 23, off East Side Highway (Route 340), about a mile and a half north of Dooms Crossing Road, in Augusta County.

Norfolk Southern Communications Manager Kasandra Ortiz said the number of cars derailed for this incident is now at least 16.

Among the derailed cars, five were carrying what are considered “hazardous materials”, including the hydrochloric acid Virginia State Police had reported on.

“We want to emphasize that none of the hazardous materials are leaking, and there is no current threat to public safety – and no crew members or members of the public were harmed in the incident, said Ortiz. “The only car that was releasing materials was the one car carrying Polyethylene. It’s a non-hazardous plastic in the form of pellets which is commonly used in the production of consumer goods such as containers, packaging, and plastic films.”

Norfolk Southern said they are working with state and local first responders to safely manage the incident.

Virginia State Police are continuing to investigate this incident.