Train Derails and Hits Home in Albany

The home was not destroyed, and the family and their six cats and three dogs were allowed to return after the train car was removed.

Photo courtesy: orblogs.com

(ALBANY) - A freight train derailed in Albany early Sunday morning with one of the derailed cars striking a local home. Albany Fire Spokesperson Wanda Omdahl says the 7:00 AM incident could have been much worse, "We arrived to discover that 8 train cars had derailed and hit the home located at 739 SE 6th. The residents of the home were present at the time but no one was injured."

She says the family evacuated along with about six other residents because live wires down onto their home after the train cares derailed and knocked out a power pole.

Pacific Power and Light were called to the scene and were able to secure the scene with regard to the power lines. Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Street in Albany were closed initially according to Ohmdahl, with Fifth and Sixth being closed the remainder of the day.

After the train car that hit the home was removed, a City of Albany Building Official was called to the home to make a determination if it was safe for the family to return.

He determined that it was, so the family along with their six cats and three dogs were able to remain in their home.

Ohmdahl says the cause of the derailment is under investigation and will be determined by Pacific & Willamette Railroads.