A train derailment at Fifth and Sixth streets in Parkersburg shut down traffic Wednesday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — A train derailed in downtown Parkersburg Wednesday afternoon, closing Green Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.

The West Virginia Division of Highways initially stated in a release that the derailment happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and that the area would be closed to traffic until Friday.

A representative from the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad said that timeline was incorrect and that a crane was scheduled to arrive at the site at approximately 5:30 p.m. to lift the train cars and place them back on the tracks. They said the derailment was a minor occurrence due to “a track-related issue.” She said there was no damage to the road around the site and the train tanks labeled as carrying the flammable chemical isoprene were empty and sealed tightly.

The Wood County 911 Center said it was notified of the derailment and was told the railroad company was waiting on a crane to place the cars back onto the track.

Parkersburg Fire Chief Jason Matthews said he learned of the derailment from local media and contacted Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad to see if they needed assistance. Matthews said he was told there were no leaks or hazards, and the fire department was not needed in this situation.

A train derailment at Fifth and Sixth streets in Parkersburg shut down traffic Wednesday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

A train engine was brought in to pull the tanks away from the site once they were back on the rails.

Matty Lamp can be reached at intern@newsandsentinel.com.

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com.