Train carrying ethanol derails and explodes in Minnesota, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes in the middle of the night
- The train derailed in Raymond, Minneapolis, a city with fewer than 800 residents.
- The BNSF train was carrying a mixed load of ethanol and corn syrup.
A train carrying ethanol derailed and caught fire in Raymond, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate their homes.
Police said the fiery explosion occurred at approximately 1 a.m. CT Thursday morning when the train derailed in the city of Raymond, about two hours west of Minneapolis.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe train was carrying a mixed load including ethanol and corn syrup when it ran off its tracks in the city of fewer than 800 residents.
Emergency personnel were deployed to the spot where approximately 22 rail cars had derailed and many were on fire.
No injuries have been reported as emergency services continue to contain and put out the fire.
A BNSF locomotive pulls train cars in Tulare County, California, March 22, 2023 (file image)
Police quickly established a half-mile evacuation of the area while they dealt with the incident.
As residents were told to leave their homes, an emergency collection site was opened at the Minnesota Central Christian School in nearby Prinsburg for those with nowhere to go.
This site will move to Unity Church, also in Prinsburg, later that day.
After arriving at the site, first responders discovered that some of the cars were filled with ethanol and others with corn syrup liquid.
The fire is still being contained by the emergency services.
Locals have been warned not to travel to the site or around the town of Raymond while officials deal with the incident.
Nearby Highway 23 has been closed in both directions between Kandiyohi County Highway 1 and Chippewa County Highway 1.
The Raymond Fire Department announced on Facebook after the incident: ‘The city is being evacuated out of precautionary measures. Residents can go to the Prinsburg School for refuge.’
BNSF, one of the country’s largest freight rail networks, said they were investigating the cause of the incident involving one of their trains.
“BNSF field staff are responding to assess the derailment site and will work closely with local first responders,” company spokeswoman Lena Kent said. ABC News.
‘The main road is blocked and there is no estimated time for the reopening of the line.’
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also confirmed that Federal Railroad Administration officials were on scene to assist with the response.
“FRA is on the ground after a BNSF train carrying ethanol derailed early this morning, prompting an evacuation in the Raymond, MN area,” Buttigieg said.
‘At the moment no injuries or deaths have been reported. We are following closely as more details emerge and will participate in the investigation.
Police said more information will be released later today.
This is developing news. Check back for updates later…