A train derailed hauling ethanol in Raymond, Minnesota, on Thursday morning. It ended up setting several rail cars from a BNSF Railway train on fire and resulted in the evacuation of several homes near the area.
According to Raymond Fire Department, the incident happened around 1 a.m. on the western edge of Raymond. The goods train was carrying mixed freight, including ethanol and corn syrup, Lena Kent, general director of public affairs for BNSF Railway, said. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office said that homes within a half-mile of the derailment were evacuated. No travel into Raymond is being advised as crews continue their efforts to contain the fire.
“BNSF field personnel are responding to assess the derailment site and will be working closely with local first responders,” Kent told ABC News in a statement Thursday. “The main track is blocked and an estimated time for reopening the line is not available.”
There were no injuries that were immediately reported. Along with first responders, railroad personnel also were working to douse out the fire. The main track of the train remained blocked due to the incident. An estimated time for reopening the line was not available.
A nearby highway has also been closed down due to the derailment and blaze, by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the fire department said. Highway 23 runs from Kandiyohi County Road 1 to Chippewa County Road 2. For now, traffic is being detoured by local flaggers.
In a Facebook post caption, the Fire Department also outlined what the residents can do to show appreciation for the first responders hard at work. “The City of Raymond is not accessible to the public, so Unity Church in Prinsburg is willing to be a drop-off location for bottled water and snacks for the firemen. These brave souls have been working hard for hours already, and have several hours of work ahead of them. Any help in the way of bottled water and nourishment would be appreciated,” the caption read.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Ethanol is a highly flammable chemical and exposure to the same can lead to coughing, dizziness, the feeling of burning eyes, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.
