A train carrying a mixture of freight, including ethanol and corn syrup, derailed and caught fire near Raymond, a small town outside Minneapolis, on Thursday morning. As a result, residents in the area were ordered to evacuate their homes, and a collection site was established for those who had nowhere to go. The derailment occurred at approximately 1 a.m. local time, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
What Happened?
According to Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, the train came off the tracks at around 1 a.m. local time. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office stated that several tankers had caught fire, and as a result, an evacuation area of half a mile was established around the crash site. The cause of the derailment was not immediately clear, and the fire is still being contained as of Thursday morning.
Response to the Incident
Numerous area departments responded to the scene, and BNSF field personnel are assessing the site and working closely with local first responders. The main track is blocked, and there is no estimated time for reopening the line.
Population of Raymond
According to census data, Raymond has a population of around 780 people.
Other Recent Train Incidents
On Wednesday, a train operated by the Canadian National Railway Company derailed near Pittsburgh. In that incident, 15 railcars containing iron ore derailed, and there were no injuries or fires reported.
On Sunday, a train operated by Canadian Pacific derailed in a suburb of Chicago. Two of the train’s cars came off the tracks, with one carrying wheat and the other empty.
Conclusion
The derailment and fire in Raymond are a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the transportation industry. While the cause of the incident is still under investigation, it is fortunate that no one was injured. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities and railway officials are working to contain the fire and clear the track.