Norfolk Southern determines urgent railcar safety issue

Rhea-AI Summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) reported an urgent safety issue regarding loose wheels on a specific model of rail cars, identified during the cleanup of a recent derailment in Springfield, Ohio, on March 5. The company notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration while inspecting similar cars. As a precaution, Norfolk Southern has removed these cars from service and coordinated with the manufacturer and the rail industry to halt their use. The investigation into the situation is ongoing, ensuring safety and compliance across the network.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Identification of loose wheels on rail cars could lead to derailment risks.
• Swift removal of affected cars from service may result in operational disruptions.

ATLANTA, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) issued the following statement Thursday after determining an urgent safety issue related to a specific model of rail cars:

During Norfolk Southern's cleanup of the derailment in Springfield, Ohio on March 5, the company determined that a specific model and series of railcars had loose wheels, which could cause a derailment. The investigative team identified these wheels as coming from a series of recently acquired cars from a specific manufacturer. Although the investigation into the cause of the accident is still underway, we immediately notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration and began inspecting other cars from this series on our network. 

Upon identifying additional cases of unusual wheel movement, we acted swiftly.  We issued orders to remove these cars from service until their wheelsets could be replaced, and we have taken steps to remove this specific model and series from service until they can be fully inspected. We also notified the manufacturer and worked urgently to inform the rest of the railroad industry, as Norfolk Southern is not the only user of these cars. As a result, the Association of American Railroads issued an advisory to halt the use of these cars. Norfolk Southern will continue to investigate this matter and take appropriate action.

About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

FAQ

What safety issue did Norfolk Southern identify regarding rail cars?

Norfolk Southern identified loose wheels on a specific model of rail cars, posing a derailment risk.

When did the safety issue related to Norfolk Southern occur?

The safety issue was identified during the cleanup of a derailment on March 5, 2023.

What actions did Norfolk Southern take after discovering the railcar issue?

Norfolk Southern removed the affected rail cars from service and notified regulatory authorities.

How is Norfolk Southern addressing the railcar safety issue?

Norfolk Southern is inspecting other similar cars and coordinating with manufacturers and the rail industry.

What regulatory bodies were informed about the railcar safety issue?

Norfolk Southern notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration.