Federal investigators have released a preliminary report detailing the massive June 11 Norfolk Southern train derailment in Morgan County, revealing that an estimated 107,000 gallons of flammable alcohol products were released and ignited during the wreck.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the freight train was traveling at approximately 32 mph when 29 of its 124 railcars jumped the tracks near Lancing at 3:24 p.m.

The NTSB reported that 19 of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials. The initial crash breached two tank cars carrying unspecified alcohol products and one carrying ethanol, sparking an immediate fire.

The intense heat caused seven additional tank cars to fail, fueling a massive blaze that burned for several days and prompted local evacuations. Norfolk Southern estimates the derailment caused approximately $5.3 million in property damage.

The report also confirmed that some of the spilled alcohol entered the Emory River, which state officials previously linked to downstream fish kills. However, environmental testing shows that ethanol concentrations have remained well below human health threat levels, and local drinking water wells were not impacted.

Officials emphasized that this initial report is strictly factual and does not yet assign blame or pinpoint a cause. Moving forward, investigators will analyze:

• Track conditions and maintenance history

• Train operations and event recorder data

• Mechanical components and railcar performance

A final report determining the definitive cause of the derailment is expected upon completion of the full investigation.