A train collision in Graniteville, South Carolina, releases about 60 tons of chlorine gas.

The Graniteville train crash, a devastating American rail disaster, unfolded in the quiet town of Graniteville, South Carolina, on the early morning of January 6, 2005. At approximately 2:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, a catastrophic collision occurred involving two Norfolk Southern freight trains in close proximity to the Avondale Mills plant. This tragic incident resulted in immediate fatalities, widespread toxic exposure, and significant long-term consequences for the community.

The root cause of this lamentable event was identified as a misaligned railroad switch. Specifically, a train on the mainline (Norfolk Southern train NS 192) was inadvertently diverted onto a side track where another train (NS 191) was already standing. This critical error led to a direct impact between the moving train and the stationary one, triggering a series of events that escalated into a major public health crisis.

The Chlorine Release and Its Devastating Impact

A primary factor in the disaster's severity was the cargo carried by one of the involved trains. Norfolk Southern train NS 192 was transporting a tank car filled with highly volatile liquid chlorine. Upon impact, this particular tank car was ruptured, leading to a massive release of gaseous chlorine into the atmosphere. Chlorine gas is notoriously toxic; even brief exposure can cause severe respiratory distress, eye and skin irritation, and is immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). The escaping gas quickly formed a dense, poisonous cloud that enveloped the surrounding area, posing an immense threat to residents.

The immediate aftermath saw an unprecedented emergency response. Nine individuals tragically lost their lives as a direct result of the crash and the subsequent chlorine exposure. This devastating toll included eight residents from the Graniteville community and one Norfolk Southern conductor, Christopher Leffler, who succumbed to the toxic fumes. Furthermore, over 250 people required medical treatment for symptoms ranging from acute respiratory problems and chemical burns to severe eye irritation, highlighting the broad reach of the toxic plume. The Avondale Mills textile plant, a major local employer situated near the collision site, was severely affected by the gas cloud, leading to its evacuation and eventual closure, which had a profound economic impact on the town.

Investigation and Lingering Questions

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an exhaustive investigation into the Graniteville train crash. Their findings corroborated that the primary cause was a crew member's failure to correctly line a switch, diverting the train onto an occupied track. However, the NTSB also identified contributing factors, including Norfolk Southern's inadequate safety protocols, insufficient crew training regarding mainline switch operations, and issues related to crew fatigue. The disaster prompted significant introspection within the rail industry regarding safety procedures, hazardous material transport, and emergency preparedness. While the immediate crisis was managed, the Graniteville community continues to grapple with the legacy of the crash, including ongoing health concerns for some residents and the enduring memory of that tragic day.

What was the primary cause of the Graniteville train crash?
The primary cause of the Graniteville train crash was a misaligned railroad switch, which diverted a moving Norfolk Southern train onto a side track where another train was already stopped.
What toxic substance was released during the Graniteville crash?
Highly toxic liquid chlorine, transported in a tank car on one of the trains, was released as a gas after the collision, forming a dangerous cloud.
How many people died in the Graniteville train crash?
Nine people died as a result of the Graniteville train crash: eight residents of the community and one Norfolk Southern train conductor.
What were the long-term impacts of the Graniteville disaster?
Beyond the immediate casualties and injuries, the Graniteville disaster led to significant evacuations, the closure of the Avondale Mills plant, and prompted widespread re-evaluation of rail safety protocols and hazardous material transport regulations in the United States. Many residents also experienced ongoing health issues.