Train Derails In Georgia After Hurricane Delta-Related Storms Wash Out Tracks

The heavy rains from Hurricane Delta that moved through metro Atlanta this weekend washed out train tracks in Lilburn early Sunday morning, causing a train to derail, several rail cars to catch on fire and, as a result, prompting an evacuation of homes in the surrounding area.

Lt. Justin Wilson said firefighters were called to the scene of the derailment, which was on the CSX line near Main Street and Camp Creek Parkway, at 1:43 a.m.

A 9-1-1 caller said two CSX employees were trying to get out of the train and that it was taking on water.

Firefighters were already in the area looking into reports of a woods fire on Bailey Drive, which they discovered was related to the train derailment.

"On arrival, crews found what would later be confirmed as 38 railcars derailed between Main Street NW and Rockbridge Road NW," Wilson said. "A Unified Command with representatives from Gwinnett Fire and Lilburn Police was established at Lilburn City Park. Several railcars were engulfed in flames shortly after arrival between Jon Jeff Drive NW and Bailey Drive SW."