An unexpected routing for a Norfolk Southern intermodal train left a path of destruction and debris in Goshen, Indiana.

According to railroad officials, Norfolk Southern train 22K was eastbound from Chicago, Illinois to Toledo, Ohio, hauling mostly intermodal trailer-on-flat-car (TOFC) loads, when it experienced and undesired emergency brake application at CP412 in Goshen, Indiana at approximately 06:30 EST Monday morning.

Inspection of the train determined that nearly two dozen platforms had derailed over a one-quarter mile stretch, splitting open United Parcel Service and other carrier trailers along the Norfolk Southern Chicago Line. The debris was scattered over both main tracks of the Chicago Line and also blocked Norfolk Southern's Marion Branch access.

There were luckily no injuries reported in the incident and no leak of hazardous materials.

Goshen, Indiana experienced a major power outage and phone service was cut to some 9,600 patrons of Verizon after the derailment severed cables along the railroad right-of-way.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. However, cleanup crews continue their efforts to clear the tracks. One of three tracks (two tracks of the Chicago Line and one of the Marion Branch) could be cleared as early as Monday evening. The two locomotives and first two cars (ten total stack container wells) were pulled east before noon, while the remainder of the train that stayed on the rails behind the derailment was towed westwardly from the scene.

Amtrak service between Chicago and New York/Washington, D.C. was suspended pending the reopening of the line. Passengers were bused around the site.