11:30 a.m. Update
Quantico, Va. – The coal train that derailed Thursday at Quantico has spurred cancellations and delays for most of the east coast.
Thousands of Amtrak passengers were left stranded overnight as crews worked to clean up the seven coal cars that toppled over about 3 p.m. Thursday.
The crash crippled rail service for Amtrak, forcing officials to cancel the Northwest Regional Train from Norfolk, Richmond and Washington, the Auto Train from Lorton to Sandord, Fla. as well as other trains to from New York Charlotte, N.C. and Miami.
Virginia Railway Express maintains they will not run trains on its Fredericsksburg line this afternoon, after halting all service on the line this morning.
Trains on VRE’s Manassas line operated on schedule Friday.
When the derailment occurred, the coal cars laid mangled on the tracks, and the tracks themselves were also damaged – some of them pointing directly up toward the sky.
CSX, which owns the tracks, has not returned a request for comment today.
It’s unclear when the tracks will be repaired.
Amtrak passengers hoping to travel south of Washington today are being asked to call 1-800-USA-RAIL before they leave for the rail station.
—
Quantico, Va. – Virginia Railway Express has canceled all trains on its Fredericksburg line on Friday after a coal train derailment.
The coal train derailed at Quantico during Thursday’s rush hour, and it not only made it tough for Virginia Railway Express commuters, it also crippled Amtrak service.
The 79-car freight train was traveling from Cumberland, Md. to Norfolk when it derailed about 3 p.m.
No one was injured, but seven cars laid on the railroad tracks mangled, as railroad crews worked to assess the damage and mount the early stages of a cleanup.
Though a round of severe storms containing high winds and heavy downpours passed through the region when the cars left the tracks, it’s not clear what caused the derailment.
A CSX spokesman said an investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the derailment.
The incident stalled VRE trains that normally use the Fredericksburg line to ferry commuter’s home from Washington.
Those who were bound for Woodbridge were allowed to take the train as far south as Rippon, one station north of Quantico. Anyone headed to Quantico or points south were told to exit the trains at Franconia-Springfield VRE station, where buses were waiting for them to take them the rest of the way home.
“We chose the Franconia-Springfield station because we have shelter there for people to stand under, and the buses have easy access to the [High Occupancy Vehicle] lanes, so they can easily enter 95 and head south,” said VRE spokesman Mark Roeber.
Anyone who wanted to use Amtrak to travel south of Washington on Thursday night was also out of luck.
The national passenger rail service told riders to call ahead before coming to the train station.
“No trains are moving south of Washington,” said Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Romero. “For those who were already traveling with us, we are trying to find buses to take the passengers transport passengers.”
The derailment comes about a month after another CSX coal train derailed in Stafford County.
Cars on that train left the tracks near Ferry Farm, causing traffic tie ups on nearby Va. 3.
Recent Stories
Once thought to be on its way out, Dominion Energy’s Possum Point Power Station near Dumfries is now expanding operations to meet rising data center power demands, Insidenova.com reports.
Local leaders are working to advance legislative priorities critical to Stafford County during the current Virginia General Assembly session. These initiatives aim to secure funding for education, address fiscal challenges stemming from tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and allow localities to raise funds for school construction through a voter referendum. However, a recent legislative setback underscores the challenges faced in Richmond. Senator Jeremy McPike’s SB 1312, which sought supplemental payments for localities heavily impacted by real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, has died in committee. On January 23, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 7-6 to pass the bill indefinitely, effectively halting its progress this session.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the app’s effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. ParkZen uses crowdsourcing technology to provide users with parking availability updates. Unlike traditional parking systems reliant on sensors, ParkZen counts a sampling of mobile phones in parking lots, using advanced algorithms to estimate vehicle occupancy. To participate, users download the app and grant location permissions.
On January 26, around 11:33 p.m., two men, ages 19 and 21, were robbed at gunpoint at the Gardens of Crestwood Village on Provincial Drive. Suspects, described as Black males with thin builds, brandished firearms and stole various items, including a camera and recording equipment, before fleeing in a Toyota Camry. One victim was struck with a firearm and sustained minor injuries.
Brandishing Incident in Dumfries
Police responded to the Red Roof Inn on Dumfries Road on January 25 at 4:00 a.m. after a man reported being threatened with a firearm by an acquaintance of a female companion. The suspect fled before officers arrived. No injuries or shots were reported.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
