A train derailment in Campbell County sent several train cars off the tracks near the West Central Avenue crossing early Saturday morning, wreaking havoc on local traffic and infrastructure. La Follette Fire Chief Jimmy Pack confirmed there were no injuries and no hazardous materials involved. "It’s not a HAZMAT incident, and no one was injured, and that was my fear. Thank goodness those are not issues. But we’re going to have a traffic nightmare for a while," Pack told WLAF.

Reported around 10:19 a.m., the train operator experienced a jarring moment as the vehicle traversed the Ivydale Bridge, feeling what was described as a "give." This breach in routine caused approximately a mile of railway to be "completely destroyed," said LaFollette Police Chief Steve Wallen. According to WATE, inspection later revealed a compromised metal frame supporting the bridge as the culprit behind this destruction.

While the derailment led to overturned train cars and significant damage to the tracks and bridge structure, it was a fortune that the cars containing corrosive materials were not compromised. Chief Wallen explained that these remained intact amid the chaos, as noted in a statement by WBIR. Local emergency management, Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the LaFollette Fire Department were all present at the scene to assess the damage and begin cleanup efforts.

Repairs are expected to extend over three to four days, during which roads in the affected area will remain closed. CSX, in the statement obtained by WBIR, has advised that the roads, blocked by the derailed train cars, will not reopen until repairs are completed. While no injuries have been reported, the incident has undoubtedly interrupted the usual pace of life in LaFollette with road blockages and possible delays in commercial product deliveries.