Following a derailment incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, cleanup efforts have commenced in Wendell, Massachusetts. Fifteen freight cars carrying non-hazardous materials derailed near Farley Road, blocking the road and disrupting local traffic. Authorities are working diligently to clear the area, with an estimated cleanup duration ranging from several days to a couple of weeks. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, and no injuries were reported. Local residents and emergency services are cooperating to ensure a swift and safe resolution.

The derailment took place around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday when a westbound train operated by Berkshire and Eastern Railroad encountered an unexpected issue near Farley Road. Heavy machinery was brought in to assist with the cleanup, including the removal of obstructive trees to facilitate access for necessary equipment. Police Chief Scott Minckler from Leverett, which also provides policing services in Wendell, stated that while some progress has been made, Farley Road will remain closed until further notice.

Emergency responders from various towns, including Wendell, Erving, Greenfield, Orange, and New Salem, swiftly mobilized to address the situation. Among the responders was the Greenfield Police’s Special Operations Unit, which deployed a drone to survey the scene. Fire Chief Joe Cuneo confirmed that the train was primarily transporting paper products, emphasizing that there were no hazardous materials involved. Crews are currently focused on re-railing the affected cars and repairing the damaged tracks to restore commercial traffic as soon as possible.

One resident, Sandra Goudreau, who has lived at 386 Farley Road for two decades, recounted her experience during the incident. She described hearing a series of power flickers before losing electricity entirely. Upon contacting her neighbor, she discovered a train had derailed right in front of her driveway. A video captured by a local train enthusiast, Isaiah Manuel, shows the moments leading up to the derailment, providing valuable footage for investigators.

Despite the disruption, authorities are making steady progress in clearing the area. While Farley Road remains partially blocked, essential vehicles can now pass through. Residents are advised to avoid the vicinity if possible. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring public safety and facilitating a smooth recovery process.