Hundreds of residents are evacuated after 22-car train carrying mixed ethanol derails and catches fire in Raymond, Minnesota
The train derailed in Raymond, Minneapolis, a city with fewer than 800 residents
The BNSF train was carrying a mixed freight of both ethanol and corn syrup
A train carrying ethanol has derailed and caught fire in Raymond, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate their homes.
Police said the fiery crass happened at approximately 1am CT on Thursday morning when the train derailed in the city of Raymond, around two hours west of Minneapolis.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe train was carrying a mixed freight including ethanol and corn syrup when it was dislodged from its tracks in the city with fewer than 800 residents.
Emergency personnel were deployed to the scene were approximately 22 rail cars had derailed with many ablaze.
There are no reported injuries as emergency responders continue to contain and quash the fire.
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Police quickly established a half-mile evacuation of the area as they dealt with the incident.
As residents fled their homes, an emergency collection site was opened at the Central Minnesota Christian School in nearby Prinsburg for those with nowhere to go.
After arriving to the site, responders discovered that some of the cars were full of ethanol and others corn syrup liquid.
The blaze is still being contained by emergency responders.
Locals have been warned not to travel to the site or around the city of Raymond as officials deal with the incident.
Nearby Highway 23 has been shut off in both directions between Kandiyohi County Road 1 to Chippewa County Road 1.
BNSF, one of the largest freight railroad networks in the country, said they were investigating the cause of the incident that involved one of their trains.
‘BNSF field personnel are responding to assess the derailment site and will be working closely with local first responders,’ spokesperson for the company Lena Kent told ABC News.
‘The main track is blocked and an estimated time for reopening the line is not available.’
Police said more information will be released later today.
This is a developing news story. Check back for updates later…
Source: DailyMail
