Train derails, injures employee

By By Terry R. Cassreino and Steve Gillespie / staff writers
Dec. 27, 2002
A railroad employee was injured Thursday night when a Kansas City Southern engine and 20 box cars derailed near Meehan Junction, law enforcement officers said.
Maj. Ward Calhoun, a spokesman for the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, said he didn't know the extent of the employee's injuries and whether he was riding in the train's engine.
While details about the accident remained sketchy Thursday, Calhoun said the train was not carrying hazardous material and the derailment occurred in a rural area.
Calhoun said Metro Ambulance, the Meehan Volunteer Fire Department, the Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency and the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department were at the scene.
Officials with Kansas City Southern Railroad did not answer phones at their Meridian office Thursday night.