A train locomotive derailed Tuesday night, causing it to lose 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, according to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.

About 7:40 p.m., the Georgia Northeastern Railroad locomotive derailed just north of the Imerys Carbonate plant in Talking Rock, Pickens sheriff's Capt. Kris Stancil told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“Fortunately, there have not been any injuries and only the fuel from the locomotive has leaked out,” he said.

Teams worked overnight to contain the spill and prevent the fuel from entering a nearby stream. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services assisted.

The derailment happened in a rural area near the line that divides Pickens and Gilmer counties. No evacuations were needed.

“The area of the spill was not near any homes or other businesses,” Stancil said.

Georgia Northeastern Railroad officials are still investigating the cause of the derailment.

“The train remained upright during the incident and only the one locomotive left the track,” Stancil said.

In other news:

Florida Lawyer Accused Of Using Jail To Film Adult Videos

About the Author

Keep Reading

Near the end of the longest day of the year, Georgians rest atop Stone Mountain to watch the sunset behind the Atlanta skyline. (Richard Watkins/AJC)

Credit: Richard Watkins

Featured

Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com