Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train Derails During North Pole Adventure

AKRON, OH - On Saturday, December 21, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's North Pole Adventure excursion was unexpectedly halted when the train derailed in northern Summit County. The incident occurred at approximately 8:53 p.m., just north of Peninsula.

Lynee, spokesperson for CVSR, confirmed that three of the train's cars came off the track. Despite the derailment, there were no reported injuries among the 588 passengers and crew members on board. Buses were promptly dispatched to transport the stranded passengers and volunteers to safety.

"Safety remains our top priority, and the incident is under investigation," Bixler stated. "We deeply regret any inconvenience this incident may have caused."

The North Pole Adventure is a family-friendly excursion that departs from CVSR's Rockside Station in Independence. The journey takes passengers through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the North Pole in Peninsula, where costumed characters and Santa Claus greet them before the return trip. The derailment occurred during the return leg of the excursion.

This was the final sold-out run of the season for the scenic railroad before its scheduled winter break. The CVSR operates on tracks owned and maintained by the National Park Service within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.