Last Updated on October 14, 2026 10:25 am
MORGANTON, N.C. — One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a Norfolk Southern train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Morganton, closing a major intersection for about a day.
Morganton Public Safety said multiple train cars derailed near the intersection of Highway 70 and East Fleming Drive. The department’s first update went out at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday, and it said five rail cars overturned. Other reports described the event differently, including one that said two locomotives and six cars were involved. Aerial photos from the scene show at least two locomotives on their sides in addition to overturned cars.
Officials said no hazardous materials were spilled. Burke Rescue reported no active leaks and no evacuation orders. The person who was hurt was taken to a hospital with injuries described as minor. One report identified that person as an engineer, but that was not confirmed in the city’s release.
Highway 70 at East Fleming Drive and East Union Street was expected to be closed for about 24 hours for the investigation and cleanup. Traffic was diverted at the intersection, and drivers were asked to avoid the area. East Union Street remained closed overnight between the Seiren entrance and the Food Lion entrance, according to one report. A later report said the closure would last until late Wednesday afternoon.
Morganton Public Safety, Burke County Emergency Management and Burke County EMS contained the scene. Norfolk Southern later took over as the lead agency running operations. The cause of the derailment is unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
Morganton is on Norfolk Southern’s Asheville District, about 60 miles east of Asheville and 78 miles west of Salisbury.
Photos: Nathan Wike
