Freight Train Derailment Shuts Down Capital Region Highway; 2 Cars Plunge Into River

Cleanup efforts are underway following a freight train derailment that shut down a major highway in the region.

The scene of a freight train derailment near Route 67 in Valley Falls Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Photo Credit: *Rensselaer County/Google Maps street view*

02/08/2024 1:10 p.m.

The Rensselaer County incident happened just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, near Route 67 in Valley Falls.

County officials said a Norfolk Southern train was carrying a total of 94 cars when 10 of them derailed near the Hoosic River. Of the 10 cars that left the tracks, two went into the river.

Nobody was injured and it’s not believed that any hazardous materials were involved, officials said. The train was carrying plastic pellets and vegetable oil.

Route 67 remained closed between State Street and Requate Road on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 8. Authorities said the roadway and the tracks should reopen sometime Thursday night.

The New York State Department of Transportation is leading the investigation into the derailment. Authorities did not speculate on a possible cause.

Several additional agencies responded to the scene, including the Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, Hoosic Valley Volunteer Fire Company, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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