South Shore freight train derails, spills 260,000 pounds of coal

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WLS) -- Crews are cleaning up after a coal spill from a freight train derailment near Michigan City.

The derailment caused service disruptions for morning commuters in northwest Indiana, beginning with westbound train No. 106.

PHOTOS: Freight train derails near Michigan City, Ind.

A 10-car freight train carrying coal to the NIPSCO generating station derailed around 5:20 a.m. as it approached the generating station at Highway 12 and County Line Road on the border of LaPorte and Porter counties. Two cars overturned, spilling 260,000 pounds of coal, South Shore Freight officials said. There were no reports of injuries. The cleanup will most likely take all day, authorities said.

Service on the westbound South Shore line was disrupted for about two hours. Trains are now running with significant delays.Visit NITCD's website for updates. Metra Electric said it will honor South Shore tickets.

It is unknown was may have triggered the derailment.