The cause of the derailment on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 remains under investigation. (Image courtesy of Bryce Johnson)

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the successful completion of another round of crude oil tank car and rail inspections, with one of them taking place here in Chautauqua County.

The inspections are intended to improve public safety and reduce potential dangers associated with the transport of crude oil across New York State.

Inspection teams examined 341 crude oil tank cars, approximately 132 miles of track and 69 switches. Overall, state and federal teams uncovered and addressed five critical defects and 42 non-critical defects.

Among the sections that were inspected was an area of the CSX Mainline Track, running from Ripley – here in Chautauqua County to Blasdell in Erie County, covering a total of 62 miles and including 37 switches. During the inspection, officials found eight non-critical defects, including fouled ballast and loose adjustable rail braces, switch point stops, switch rod bolts, guard rail bolts and bolts at switch transition devices.

Earlier this month a train derailed in Ripley, with 16 cars falling over and thousands of gallons of ethanol reportedly spilled, forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes in the area while hazmat crews cleaned up the spill. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

Following a series of out-of-state disasters involving the transport of crude oil by rail, New York State has taken a series of actions, including various rail inspections, to improve the safety and reliability of the practice.

Image of crews working to cleanup an ethanol spill following a train derailment in Ripley on March 1, 2016. (Image courtesy of Bryce Johnson)

RIPLEY – It was a busy day in Ripley on Wednesday as crews continued to remove some of the 16 cars from a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Tuesday night, forcing the evacuation of nearly 100 residents from their homes.

Officials now say the derailment occurred around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officials say there were no injuries and no fires, but two of the three cars containing hazardous materials leaked.

Officials say 1 to 2 gallons of ethanol leaked per minute following the derailment, releasing 5,000-10,000 gallons of gas. Another derailed tanker also contained propane, but there didn’t appear to be any spill and the tanker was secure.

Because ethanol is highly flammable, the entire area was evacuated as a precaution. Thankfully, there was no fire or explosion and crews were able to clean up the majority of the spill by Wednesday night.

Up to 80 homes were evacuated, possibly displacing as many as 100 people. Some were able to find temporary shelter with friends or family. Others were taken to a hotel or stayed in the sanctuary of Ripley Methodist Church.

Also affected by the derailment is Amtrak passenger train service between Chicago and New York City. The Eastbound Lake Shore Limited service was stopping at Cleveland while the westbound train was stopping at Buffalo. Buses were ferrying passengers between the two cities.

The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Federal Railroad Administration and the state Department of Transportation.

Crews work Wednesday morning to cleanup an ethanol spill following a train derailment in Ripley on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (Image courtesy of Bryce Johnson)

RIPLY, NY – There’s been a train derailment in Chautauqua County.

Dozens of people were forced out of their homes in Ripley Tuesday night after a train derailment triggered an ethanol spill.

A statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo says 15 rail cars traveling on the Norfolk Southern line derailed near Shaver Street and Mechanic Street in Ripley at about 11:20 p.m.

“While there is no fire or reported injuries at this time, three rail cars carrying hazardous liquids, including ethanol were turned on their side, and one is confirmed to be leaking,” the governor said in his statement. “As a result, emergency response officials evacuated several homes in the immediate vicinity and instructed other nearby residents to stay inside while authorities continue to assess the situation.”

The cause of the derailment on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 remains under investigation. (Image courtesy of Bryce Johnson)

Hazmat teams are using foam equipment to contain the spill and working to patch the leaks.

“I have directed the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Department of Environmental Conservation as well as foam equipment to assist in suppressing the spill and provide support to hazmat teams that will be working to patch the leak,” the governor said.

According to Time Warner Cable news, 45 homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution and other neighbors have been told to stay inside their homes. Ripley Central School is also closed today and all activities and events are canceled.

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan will be providing a further update Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Ripley Fire Hall, 15 S. State St. in Ripley. Horrigan will be joined by state and local officials.