On April 15, 2024, a CSX intermodal train collided with a parked ballast train near Folkston, GA, causing a derailment and temporarily shutting down the busy CSX A-Line. Several railroaders were hospitalized, but fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening. The crash also led to a brief fire, which was quickly extinguished. As CSX’s only rail route into and out of Florida, the A-Line is a vital freight corridor, transporting the majority of the state’s goods. The disruption caused significant logistical delays as crews worked around the clock to clear the wreckage and restore operations.
Now, as we approach a year since the incident, I’m reflecting on the aftermath and the impact it had on the region. The wreckage was moved off to the side once the tracks were repaired, but reminders of the crash lingered long after. This event underscored the importance of swift emergency response and the challenges of maintaining uninterrupted freight movement on one of the busiest rail corridors in the Southeast.
Want to see the full report? Click the link below for the NTSB report.
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/RIR2502.pdf