CSX Wants South Carolina Bridge Collapse Lawsuit Dismissed

CSX Transportation wants a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed after the April train derailment that knocked out a bridge in Berkeley County, S.C.

The request was filed in U.S. District Court, where the case was transferred last week, the Post and Courier of Charleston reported.

The derailment and bridge collapse on Cypress Gardens Road created a 22-mile detour.

About 300 people sued CSX, saying the company was negligent in causing the derailment. They are seeking compensatory damages for reasons including transportation, costs for services, annoyance and inconvenience, according to court records. It does not specify an amount.

The suit says thousands of people have been forced to detour their travel for work, school, business and recreation, costing them time and money in travel.

The railroad company’s filing says those suing have failed to show any evidence of negligence. CSX says it has agreed to pay the full cost of repairing the bridge. It also said none of those suing have suffered any physical injury.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a $3 million contract to repair the bridge. Repairs should be finished in late October.