COAL CITY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Emergency crews are responding to an active fire inside the old Sophia train tunnel, according to Coal City Volunteer Fire & EMS.
Firefighters were dispatched earlier Saturday and assessed the situation. Officials said the primary impact currently is a heavy presence of smoke in and around the Independence Road area and extending into Coal City.
Coal City Volunteer Fire & EMS said crews are working with other agencies to mitigate the situation. Entering the tunnel is considered too dangerous because of its collapsing roof.
Residents in the surrounding area may continue to see and smell smoke for several days as crews work to address the fire.
Officials are also asking side-by-side riders and others to stay away from the area and not attempt to enter or access the tunnel due to the hazardous conditions.
