By Seren Valehart | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
TV Viewing Interrupted
A quiet evening at home ended abruptly when a woman knocked on our door: “Bucyrus Fire Department. There has been a train derailment; you have ten minutes to evacuate the area.”
There was no time to process what we’d heard. We grabbed a few essentials, loaded the car, and left immediately. The loud boom we’d heard earlier—one that startled both of us and all three fur babies—had been brushed off as leftover fireworks. It wasn’t.
Unsure how long the evacuation would last, we contacted the Bucyrus Police Department. Dispatch was overwhelmed; the phone never stopped ringing. Even so, she remained calm and assured us that EMA and other first responders were already on scene, assessing the situation. Updates would come as soon as they were confirmed.
Seeking relief from the oppressive heat, we headed to City Hall. Residents gathering there were directed to Bucyrus High School to await further information. The parking lot filled quickly—families, individuals, and their fur babies. BHS administration arrived as soon as possible, followed closely by the Red Cross and auxiliary officers. Their coordination was steady and reassuring. Those with special needs were prioritized by the BPD Auxiliary and the Red Cross. The Humane Society Serving Crawford County opened its doors to assist with pets.
A Mild Inconvenience—But a Serious IF
When something of this nature occurs, we must rethink what we call a “mild inconvenience.”
The reality was stark: IF the rail car carrying hydrochloric acid had been leaking, the entire city of Bucyrus could have been affected. That single IF carried enormous weight. We were fortunate—deeply fortunate—that it was not.
This derailment also highlighted the complexity of rail infrastructure. I’ve watched this section of track being reconstructed over recent months. It has been no small feat—more like a finely tuned Stradivarius. Contractors and heavy equipment filled the former Shunk Manufacturing property. Each crew arrived in sequence, completing their portion and clearing the way for the next. It was efficient, disciplined, and impressive.
Patience and Process
In moments like these, patience becomes more than a virtue—it becomes a safety tool. Evaluating a derailment is not instantaneous. It requires methodical assessment, specialized equipment, chemical analysis, structural review, and coordination across agencies.
The public often wants immediate answers, but derailments don’t work on a fast clock. They work on a safe clock. And that takes time.
CommUNITY
I want to thank all first responders and concerned citizens who assisted with the evacuation, going door to door; those who opened Bucyrus High School; the Red Cross; and our local Humane Society. While Chief Dorsey was on a well‑deserved vacation, he can be proud of his department and auxiliary officers.
Please thank all who came together to ensure the safety of Bucyrus residents. CommUNITY is not just a word—it’s what we witnessed.
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Local Resources & Claims Information
Expenses Incurred From the “Mild Inconvenience”
Residents are encouraged to contact Norfolk Southern Railroad for unexpected expenses related to the derailment. If you have not already done so, please reach out—and share this information with family and friends.
Claim Representative Contact:
- Name: Matt Buttgereit, Sr. District Manager
- Email: m.buttgereit@nscorp.com
Submitted by Seren Valehart
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