BUFFALO, NY — Late February 13th, residents in North Buffalo spotted a portion of a train on fire as it went down the tracks toward Cheektowaga. Now residents are worried about what this may mean for the future.
"I saw the flames coming out from on top of one of the cars of the train. I was amazed I never seen anything like that before," said Jean Dickson. She lives on Crescent Avenue and the train tracks run across the back of her yard.
Dickson and her friend were sitting on the couch when they spotted the train in flames.
"I do not even know how I would have responded to that had I not been with her, but she was on the phone like that calling the fire department," said Phil Banaszak, Dickson's friend.
For Dickson, she pays attention to what the trains are carrying and she is concerned following the fire.
"Tank cars carrying flammable gasses, they have them, every day you see them. Flammable gasses and all the chemicals with the red and white placards," said Dickson.
Congressman Brian Higgins is calling on Norfolk Southern and the U.S. Department of Transportation to investigate.
"We are asking the department of transportation and Norfolk Southern to review what occurred in Buffalo and report their findings so that we can use it as a basis from which to take further action," said Higgins.
This incident came days after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
7 News Reporter Jaurdyn Johnson emailed Norfolk Southern about the incident. In an initial response, Norfolk Southern said it was unaware but after Johnson pushed for answers the following statement was provided:
"Following further investigation, we did find an instance of a locomotive that had a broken diesel engine turbo. This can result in concentrated smoke and flame that is isolated to the smokestack of the locomotive. As soon as this occurred, the crew stopped the train and temporarily shut it down for repairs. At no time was there danger to the public.
If you have any concerns you can call Norfolk Southern at 800-453-2530.
