According to a CSX official and a local law enforcement official’s reports to local newspaper the Beacon Journal, vandals apparently placed two railroad ties, which were at the site to be used as replacements, alongside the track. The train, bound for Maryland, derailed when it struck the ties and 10 of its 103 cars left the tracks.

CSX spokesperson Bob Sullivan told the newspaper it was not known how many cars overturned in the incident, but that both of the locomotives remained intact. Police spokesperson Rick Edwards said damage to the control signal system, an electrical storage shed and three irreparable cars totalled about $US600,000.

An undetermined amount of coal was lost in the accident, which crews anticipated having cleaned up by Monday night, the paper said. CSX has commenced an investigation and offered a reward for the tip that leads them to those responsible for the incident.