Return to Transcripts main page

Breaking News

Ohio Officials Taking Measures to Halt Runaway Freight Train

Aired May 15, 2001 - 14:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: Natalie, what's next?

NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR: A story that we're just hearing about and were continuing to try to get more information on is a runaway train in Northwest Ohio. A freight train that reportedly is carrying hazardous materials and no one can contact the train's engineer. It's not sure what might have happened to him.

We have on the line with us Sergeant Shawn Davis from Columbus, who is with the Ohio state highway patrol. Sergeant, what can you tell us about this train, what's onboard, and what can you do about it?

SGT. SHAWN DAVIS, OHIO HIGHWAY PATROL: Well, Natalie, at this time I have been in contact with the local post in the Hancock County area. They have advised me that the CSX train company is in the area and at this time are taking measures to shut the train down.

ALLEN: All right. So what -- do they think that they can do that in the near future?

DAVIS: Right, they are in the area of where the train is right now, and they are taking measures, and I haven't had an update for approximately 10 minutes from when I had my first initial update. So I'm sure that their measures are well under way at this time.

ALLEN: Do you know what kind of area the train is in as they try to do this?

DAVIS: At this time I do not, no.

ALLEN: What do you know as far as what might have happened to the engineer on this train?

DAVIS: Well, it's believed that it's probably some sort of medical problem. They do know that the train is traveling at about 30 to 35 miles per hour and it does have approximately 47 cars that -- in tow.

ALLEN: And -- and what would be the risk if they weren't able to get this train stopped soon?

DAVIS: Well, the main thing that the highway patrol is assisting in would be shutting down the intersections that the train would be approaching to make sure that the motoring safety -- motoring public's safety is at the highest.

ALLEN: All right, but they have assured you that they think that they can stop this train?

DAVIS: Right, they are taking the measures right now to -- to get the train stopped.

ALLEN: All right, we thank you so much and that is good news. Sergeant Shawn Davis letting us know that this CSX train that is apparently running on its own, something has happened to the engineer, will be stopped by the train's service, and we'll keep you posted on when that happens there in Ohio.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com