A train headed east through downtown Valparaiso derailed Saturday night after the train’s crew observed someone lying on the tracks and engaged the emergency brakes, according to a spokesman for Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad.
Intersections throughout downtown remained closed early Sunday afternoon, though Tom Ciuba, the railroad’s spokesman, expected the area to be clear by Sunday evening.
Four empty auto racks were derailed, according to an email from Ciuba. “There were no injuries, and no hazardous material was involved,” he said.
Valparaiso Police received notice about the derailment around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Capt. Joe Hall, the department’s public information officer.
The derailment occurred three hours after the 46th annual Popcorn Festival wrapped up in d