A freight train jumped the tracks in northeast Salem on Thursday afternoon and slammed into a semi-truck, shutting down key streets and bringing a heavy emergency response to an industrial stretch of the city. The crash unfolded just after midday near Cherry Avenue Northeast and Johnson Street Northeast. Officials say no injuries have been reported, but nearby businesses and the Oregon School for the Deaf dealt with traffic headaches as crews moved in. Cleanup and inspections are expected to keep several roads closed for hours.
What officials say
According to FOX 12 Oregon, a Portland and Western freight train was reported derailed shortly after 12:30 p.m. at or near Cherry Avenue NE and Johnson Street NE, and one of the derailed cars hit a semi-truck. The outlet reports there are no known injuries and that initial checks at the scene did not turn up any hazardous-material spills.
Response and timeline
The Statesman Journal reported that the derailment occurred around 1 p.m. and that multiple units from Salem police, fire, and medical services were dispatched to the scene. The paper noted that crews expected cleanup and safety inspections to continue through the afternoon and into the evening, keeping the area tied up while officials worked.
Road closures and school pickup
FOX 12 Oregon reports that Cherry Avenue NE is closed in both directions from Pine Street NE to Salem Industrial Drive NE, and that Broadway Street NE is shut at Maple Street NE. Parents picking up students at the Oregon School for the Deaf were told to approach from the west via Broadway or from the south using Pine only. Drivers are being urged to steer clear of the industrial corridor until the wreckage is cleared and to follow official traffic advisories.
Railroad context
The Portland and Western Railroad has dealt with other derailments in recent years, including a January 2025 incident in Corvallis in which a trestle collapsed and at least one rail car went into the Marys River, according to Wikipedia. That track record has added extra scrutiny when derailments like Thursday’s happen in the region.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected as Salem Police and railroad officials release additional information. Anyone who captured video or has witness information is asked to contact Salem Police.
