Area Closed After Suspicious Backpack Found On Railroad Tracks

Officials closed the area around the Chestnut Street underpass in Covington Monday after finding a suspicious backpack between the rails of the CSX line around 11 a.m.

According to Covington Police Chief J.B. Broughman, the area immediately adjacent to the tracks was evacuated as a safety precaution, and the Virginia State Police Bomb Detection Unit was called to the scene.

State police were able to determine that the bag contained only personal items, and the owner of the bag has not yet been identified.

The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene, and area fire and rescue personnel were on standby until the situation was resolved.

(Gavin Dressler Photo)