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Kalamazoo Train Derails, Snarls Downtown Traffic

Sehvilla Mann
/
WMUK

Morning commuters faced extra long waits Tuesday, July 3, in Kalamazoo. A derailed train snarled traffic and affected businesses and local government offices.

Fifteen cars of a Grand Elk freight train left the tracks in the city’s downtown area shortly before 7  Tuesday morning near West Michigan Avenue. That blocked major streets and forced some businesses to close for the today. And Kalamazoo County commissioners canceled their scheduled meeting Tuesday evening despite a full agenda that included a new proposal for a downtown arena.

Credit Sehvilla Mann / WMUK
/
WMUK
The city is not sure whether Kalamazoo Avenue will be clear by Wednesday morning.

There’s no word yet on what caused the derailment. There were no injuries and officials say the train did not carry anything hazardous. The city has posted a detour map and urges drivers to seek alternate routes.

Credit Sehvilla Mann / WMUK
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WMUK
A map showing the area of the derailment.

Kalamazoo city officials say it will take time for heavy equipment brought in from Ohio to right the freight cars and clear the way. They say that work will continue overnight and into Wednesday morning. At a trackside news conference Tuesday afternoon, city officials said they don't know yet if cars blocking Kalamazoo Avenue will be removed by Wednesday morning. However, Michigan Avenue is open.

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Andy Robins has been WMUK's News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK's staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.