A BNSF Railway freight train containing 103 cars loaded with crude oil has derailed near the northern Illinois city of Galena.
According to railroad officials, the train derailed around 1:20 p.m. Thursday in a rural area where the Galena River meets the Mississippi.
Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Moser says several cars have caught fire as a result of the derailment. The blaze hasn’t prompted any evacuations, although that may change.
BNSF spokesman Mike Trevino says the cause of the derailment hasn’t been determined. He said railroad employees are on the scene and additional BNSF personnel are headed there and will work with local responders.
In addition to the cars loaded with crude oil, the train consisted of two buffer cars loaded with sand. Its destination wasn’t immediately known.
SOURCE: The Associated Press
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