Train Derailment in Columbia Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures

Issue #584

October 14, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 82, low of 54

📰 Train Derailment in Columbia Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures

📌 Saturday: Harvest Glow at Row & Co.

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Read The Latest Local Business Spotlight! 👇
Why This Columbia Salon + Barbershop Has Clients Driving from Nashville For a Cut

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Train Derailment in Columbia Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures

A train derailment in Columbia this afternoon prompted road closures, evacuations, and a large-scale emergency response near Trotwood Avenue and West 7th Street.

Dispatchers received reports of the derailment around 11:30 a.m., according to Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Cummins. The first units arrived within minutes, and multiple agencies quickly set up a unified command by noon to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

Chief Cummins said five to seven train cars were involved in the incident, including a propane tanker. “We will be working over the next 12 hours to mitigate this incident,” he said. “We’re mainly concerned with the main propane tank that’s sitting off its truck. Once we get it back on the rail, we’ll move it out of the way and the area will open back up, because the other cars involved are empty cars that carry automobiles, so there’s no hazards there.”

Out of caution, nearby schools and businesses were temporarily evacuated, including Columbia Academy and Columbia Taekwondo, while officials assessed the propane car. No injuries were reported, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the other train cars were empty.

Cummins added that an issue with a switching rail might have caused the derailment, though an official cause has not yet been determined. Crews are taking what he described as a “slow, methodical approach” to safely clear the scene. He also noted that train traffic typically moves slowly through this section of Columbia, which helped minimize potential risks. Cleanup operations are expected to continue for several hours, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area until it reopens.

The City of Columbia posted around 6:00 PM… Currently there are 2 rail cars set back on the train track. They will start to work on the propane car in about 30 minutes. Should have everything opened back up for normal traffic in 2-3 hours.

Saturday: Harvest Glow at Row & Co.

Harvest Glow is back! Join us at Row & Co. on Saturday, October 18th from 4–8 PM for an evening full of fall fun! 

  • Pumpkin carving (4 PM)

  • Carving contest awards (6 PM)

  • Movie: Monsters University (6:30 PM)

Pumpkins, food and drinks available for purchase at Gold’s Deli, Bradley Mountain and Mama Mila’s

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, October 14th

Wednesday, October 15th

Thursday, October 16th

Friday, October 17th

Saturday, October 18th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 16

Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Hitmakes Series, Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gynne Alden, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, October 17

TBA – The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
Trevor Clark – Buck & Board, 6–9 PM
Open Mic Night – Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Clubhouse Rock – Worldwide Stages, 6–10 PM
Tom & Robert – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Iconic Women of Music – The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Kit Bulla – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Ryan Keeler – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
The Outliers – The Boondox, 8 PM
Vinyl Four – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, October 18

Small Town Sweethearts – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Larkin & Leigh – Buck & Board, 5–8 PM
Murphy Ridge – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
John Wayne Band – Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 7–9 PM
Michael Rix – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Fall Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Still Rockin’ – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Carter Elliott – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
U4IA – The Ultimate U2 Tribute Show – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vaughn Station – The Boondox, 8 PM
Jill FM – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, October 19

John Salaway & Raw Radick – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM

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