Giant Explosions Reported After Train Derailment in North Dakota
A train carrying combustable materials derailed this afternoon near Casselton, North Dakota, sending flames as high as 100 feet according to some reports. Emergency crews have issued a code red alert to residents within a two mile radius of the crash, warning them to stay inside.
According to Valley News Live, at least one bulk oil car is on fire, and the Casselton Fire Department said there's concern the explosion took place near an ethanol plant. There are also reports that cars from the derailed train were struck by another train.
Cass county sherrif office says one train derailed then oncoming train hit cars. 111 cars full of oil
— Hope Hanselman (@hopehanselman) December 30, 2013
UPDATE 5:03 pm: According to Casselton's mayor, there were no injuries in the blast or derailment. Firefighters will likely let the cars burn out on their own.
Mayor tells @ABC no injuries reported so far in NDakota train accident; rail cars continue to explode; likely to let them burn.
— Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) December 30, 2013
DEVELOPING: Emergency crews on scene of train accident with large fire in Casselton, North Dakota: pic.twitter.com/2rjSTFe6OI
— ABC News (@ABC) December 30, 2013
BREAKING: Train Derailment West of #Casselton, ND: http://t.co/NnBIYOh0xD photo courtesy: Brandy Pyle pic.twitter.com/X4gBn9laqf
— Kyle Johnson (@KyleJohnsonVNL) December 30, 2013
